Alexander, N.D. (AP) State officials say the completion of bypasses in the North Dakota oil patch towns of Watford City and Alexander will improve the quality of life in those communities.
North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple, Department of Transportation Director Grant Levi and local officials gathered in Watford City and Alexander Tuesday to mark the completion of the projects.
The bypasses and a partially completed expansion of U.S. Highway 85 cost the state $200 million.
Levi says about 13,000 vehicles traveled through Watford City and Alexander every day when no bypasses had been built.
Jodi Stover is the owner of a convenience store on Alexander's main drag. Before the bypass, the street was clogged with oil field traffic. Stover says she didn't really notice how loud the traffic was until it was gone.