A Road to History: Ames Helps Medora Welcome the Nation
Ames is proud to stand behind Medora, North Dakota, to celebrate a moment of national significance: the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library during the Fourth of July holiday and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
In October 2024, we broke ground on the Medora Business Loop and City Section project to help the community prepare for this historic milestone. Designed to calm traffic and enhance safety, the 3.2-mile corridor now better supports both high-season tourist traffic and the many pedestrians who experience Medora on foot.
A new roundabout improves traffic flow and reduces congestion during peak events, while the widened bridge over the Little Missouri River now features an additional turn lane and shared-use paths on both sides, eliminating the need for pedestrians to cross traffic.
The new infrastructure was designed to complement the rugged character of the North Dakota Badlands that captivated the future president. For example, the colors of the bridge walkway handrails and the exposed sides of the concrete bridge deck mimic the surrounding sedimentary rock layers, allowing the structure to blend naturally into its landscape.
During this Fourth of July weekend, we are especially proud to have played a small part in Medora’s continued story. It is a privilege to contribute to a project that not only strengthens infrastructure, but also supports a place where history, heritage, and the American spirit come together.
Photos by NDDOT
