FARGO, N.D. – Fargo City Commissioners have given the go-ahead for the next phase of the design of the 12th Avenue Bridge over the Red River.
The Commission approved an Off-Existing Alignment build for the bridge, at a cost of between 26 and 29 million dollars.
Traffic Engineer Jeremy Gorden explains the benefits.
“Less permanent Right of Way needed on the Moorhead side, fewer impacts at Jack Williams Stadium and is a cheaper option by about three million (dollars),” he said.
The bridge, in its current condition, was built too low to withstand Red River flooding events, has poor pedestrian access and its pavement is in poor condition.
Commissioner Michelle Turnberg called into question whether or not a bridge is still needed because of the flood diversion project.
“The current bridge floods at flood stage 27 feet,” Gorden said. “The diversion allows 37 feet to pass through town, so anytime there would be a major flood, this wouldn’t go under water. Is it necessarily needed today? Probably not. But it is needed at some time in the future.”
As far as funding the project, no local dollars have been assigned to it, but Mayor Tim Mahoney said there is possibly federal grant funding available to the City of Fargo.
The motion also included a mini-roundabout at the Elm Street and 12th Avenue North intersection.
“We’ve made progress with roundabouts,” Gorden said.
Crews will need to make roadway openings at least 16 feet wide for Fargo Public Works plows to go through.
Project design is projected to be completed in January 2027.
