photo provided/FM Diversion Authority
FARGO (KFGO) – Another milestone has been met on the stormwater diversion channel portion of the FM Area Diversion project. Construction of the first railroad bridge over the stormwater diversion channel is complete and has been put in service. The first BNSF Railway train crossed the new bridge on Wednesday.
The railroad bridge is parallel to Interstate 29 and County Road 81 between Harwood and Argusville,. There are four separate bridges spanning the stormwater diversion channel in that area.
The bridge is 405 feet in length. Construction began in the summer of 2023 to construct a temporary track called a shoofly where trains operate until the new bridge is constructed. Work began on the bridge structure in 2024 and was completed by ASN Constructors and Kramer North America in partnership with BNSF who constructed the track. BNSF will own and maintain the railroad bridge.
“We are excited to celebrate this milestone of opening the first rail bridge, bringing us another step closer to flood protection for the community,” said Luke Chenery, RRVA CEO. “The partnership with BNSF is crucial to completing this work and maintaining rail traffic so our work didn’t interfere with their business.”
“We appreciate working with RRVA and their efforts to ensure we continue serving our North Dakota customers while also partnering long-term to aid in flood protection for the community,” said Steve Lyne, Division Engineer, BNSF Railway.
