BISMARCK, N.D. -- A recent study of the cost of maintaining North Dakota's county and township roads is being expanded to include bridges.
The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University did the study at the Legislature's request.
It estimated it will cost about $7 billion over 20 years to maintain county and township roads statewide. The estimate has been increased because of the heavy oil truck traffic on western North Dakota's roads.
Lawmakers have asked for similar estimates on what it will cost to maintain local bridges. The institute is compiling that information.
Institute director Denver Tolliver says the updated study will be ready before the Legislature meets in January.