Artifacts Complicate Bypass Plans In Williston

Plans to build a permanent truck bypass around Williston have been complicated by what North Dakota Transportation Director Francis Ziegler says is an "unprecedented" discovery of American Indian artifacts.

 

 

 

 

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) - Plans to build a permanent truck bypass around Williston have been complicated by what North Dakota Transportation Director Francis Ziegler says is an "unprecedented" discovery of American Indian artifacts.

Ziegler says the artifacts uncovered along the preferred route for the bypass include burial sites and stone circles. At least one tribe has asked for the route plans to be abandoned.

Crews earlier this year completed a temporary bypass in the area to help route heavy oil field truck traffic around Williston and ease congestion in city limits. Deputy Transportation Director Grant Levi says officials will look at options for a permanent bypass that doesn't disturb the artifacts. But Williams County Commission Chairman Dan Kalil says a second possible route is opposed by some private property owners.

 

AP

   

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