The University Drive reconstruction project is nearing an end, coming in ahead of deadline and on budget, according to Northern Improvement spokesman Bruce Thompson.

All five lanes are blacktopped and ready for striping, which will be done next week by United Rentals, which will also be installing the new roadway signs.

Since the widening of the nearly mile-long stretch will likely increase the flow of traffic, signal lights have been added to the intersections at Wachter and Denver avenues.

Tests on the signals will take place next week.

"Everything has gone very smoothly," Thompson said. "We expect to be opening all the lanes sometime during the first two weeks in October. The project deadline is Oct. 21."

Installation of street lights and the traffic signals was completed this week, while Northern Improvement worked on topsoil placement, getting it ready for seeding next week. Trees will also be planted sometime later in October.

Pedestrians have already begun taking advantage of the bike path, which was extended to 12th Street. West entrances to the mobile home park and businesses adjacent to University Drive have been reopened.

The original project estimate was placed at $2.7 million, according to Thompson, and the final cost should be close to that. Besides the additional width and bike path, curb and gutter was added, along with a new storm sewer system.

A concrete sidewalk was poured on the east side of University and concrete was also poured at the intersection with Bismarck Expressway.

Traffic flow was maintained throughout the spring and summer along University, and motorists managed to navigate the route with little difficulty, even at peak hours when children were taken to and picked up at Wachter Middle School.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 701-250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)