North Dakota State Capitol Grounds Shared Use Path

A functional and aesthetically pleasing shared use path for the enjoyment of Capitol employees and the public is now a reality. The 0.97 mile long project ties the existing Arboretum Path and State Street Shared Use Path together. The path is effective in showcasing not only an historic element, but also the incredible views of Bismarck and the Missouri River Valley from the site.

This project provides a loop of shared use path specifically on the North Dakota State Capitol Grounds. The North Dakota State Capitol Complex Master Plan provided guidelines for specific materials and styles to be utilized on the site. Concrete was identified as the material of choice for this project, knowing the low maintenance and durability inherent in concrete paths like this. Other project amenities included benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, modular block retaining walls, landscaping, and the planning for future interpretive areas along the path. Accessing a remnant native prairie area that has been on the Registry of Natural Areas for more than 20 years was a key goal of the project.

Getting the path constructed provided a unique challenge. To avoid impacting the prairie remnant, the Contractor was required stay within the path construction limits; a corridor kept at the absolute minimum near the native prairie remnant. Concrete trucks were required to back down the path system with full loads, complete their pours, and then drive back out. Knowledge that future maintenance will be minimal and surface textures will remain smooth for a long time was key to selecting concrete for this Award Winning project. Congratulations to the citizens of North Dakota for now having a great path facility for this great institution in our state’s capitol city.