North Dakota Roads Upgraded with Polymer-Coated Corrugated Steel Pipe

By: TrueNorth Steel

A County in Need of Stronger Roads

In the rugged Williston Oil Basin of North Dakota, McKenzie County turned to polymer-coated corrugated steel pipe to solve a growing challenge. For nearly two decades, these vital roads carried heavy equipment, oil field workers, and trucks through the heart of the Oil Boom. Yet the original construction was not designed to handle such stress, and reconstruction soon became necessary. Residents, local businesses, and energy companies all depended on safer, more durable infrastructure, and steel pipes played a crucial role.

Why Polymer-Coated Corrugated Steel Pipe Won the Bid

For years, most culverts beneath North Dakota’s highways were built from reinforced concrete pipe. While concrete had long been considered the standard, it often came with higher costs and longer installation times. TrueNorth Steel recognized an opportunity to introduce a better option. The company lobbied the North Dakota Department of Transportation to allow polymer-coated corrugated steel pipe on the bid list. Once approved, McKenzie County acted quickly, choosing steel for its balance of strength, flexibility, and cost savings. This choice also marked an important step forward for steel in the state’s transportation sector.

Lower Costs and Faster Installation

One of the most compelling factors in selecting polymer-coated corrugated steel pipe was cost. The pipe is less expensive per lineal foot than reinforced concrete, which made an immediate difference on the county’s budget. However, the benefits did not stop there. Because the pipe weighs less than concrete, crews reduced labor hours for both transport and installation. This use of polymer-coated steel facilitated quicker handling times, directly translating into shorter road closures, which was critical for oil field workers and local residents. The pipe could also be manufactured to custom lengths, which made installation more efficient and reduced the need for additional joints.

Long-Term Drainage Benefits for McKenzie County

The value of polymer-coated csp extends well beyond the installation phase. The polymer coating adds an extra layer of protection against North Dakota’s harsh conditions, from freeze-thaw cycles to corrosive soil environments. This durability ensures that the county’s investment will last for decades. By choosing steel, McKenzie County secured a reliable drainage solution that supports both daily travel and the region’s thriving energy industry. Roads will remain open longer, maintenance costs will stay lower, and the community will benefit from safer infrastructure.

A Model for Future Road Projects

McKenzie County’s decision highlights how polymer-coated corrugated steel pipe can reshape road construction across North Dakota and beyond. Other counties and transportation departments may look to this project as proof that steel delivers performance without driving up costs. As more agencies consider long-term durability alongside upfront expenses, the advantages of a polymer-coated corrugated steel pipe become even stronger.

Cost-Effective Road Drainage: Polymer-Coated Corrugated Steel Pipe in North Dakota