About The Project
The intersection of 42nd Street and ND Highway 297 (DeMers Avenue) has seen increasing challenges over the years due to the growth in community activities and movement through the area. To enhance safety and efficiency for all modes of transportation users, the City of Grand Forks, in collaboration with the NDDOT and BNSF, is initiating a project to grade separate the rail crossing at 42nd Street. Given the rail line’s proximity, this improvement will also include a grade separation at DeMers Avenue. This project aims to create a better community for all users by addressing these challenges and fostering a more seamless and safe transportation experience.
Project Area
The intersection of 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue is the focus of the grade separation, with reconstruction extending out approximately 1,100 ft in each direction.
Timeline
The construction timeline for the 42nd and DeMers underpass project is targeted to begin in 2026 and will see substantial completion in 2027. The project will be constructed in multiple phases.
Phase 1: Spring 2026
Phase 1 will involve construction of a temporary railroad track (called a "shoofly") and a vehicle and pedestrian temporary bypass of DeMers Avenue. This phase will also include installing new watermain and temporary sheet piling (shoring) in preparation for future bridge excavation work. Traffic will be allowed on 42nd Street and DeMers while these improvements are constructed with only short duration closures where watermain and shoofly crossings occur. At the end of Phase 1, trains will be routed to the shoofly and vehicles and pedestrians will be routed to the temporary bypass.
Phase 2: Summer 2026 thru Spring 2027
Phase 2 will involve underpass excavation, the construction of both bridges, the reconstruction of Demers Avenue, and watermain removals and installation. 42nd Street will be closed with traffic utilizing the detour route. Trains will be routed around the project area via the shoofly and vehicles & pedestrians via the temporary bypass. At the end of Phase 2, DeMers Avenue will reopen to traffic and trains will return to mainline track.
Phase 3: Spring 2027
Phase 3 will involve removing the shoofly, DeMers bypass, and dismantling the sheet piling (shoring). 42nd Street will be closed with traffic utilizing the detour route. DeMers Avenue will reopen to traffic.
Phase 4: Spring & Summer 2027
Phase 4 will involve completing underpass excavation as well as installing stormsewer, the lift station, and the stormwater ponds & basins. Phase 4 will also involve the reconstruction of 42nd Street, 43rd Street, and 7th Avenue South (jug handle road). At the end of Phase 4, 42nd Street will reopen to traffic.
Phase 5: Fall 2027
Phase 5 will involve the reconstruction of the remaining portions of DeMers Avenue both east and west of the new bridge that were not reconstructed in Phase 2. DeMers Avenue will be closed with traffic utilizing a detour route.
Want to Get Involved?
The project team is engaging with stakeholders and the public to gather input on construction phasing and aesthetic elements for this area. You can provide your feedback by:
- Attending open house meetings
- Attending community pop-up events
- Reaching out to the project team
Upcoming Engagement Events
Check back here for upcoming engagement events!
Project Updates
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Document Library
Click here to view the November 18th City Council Presentation!
Project Location
