Construction is scheduled to start April 20 on the two-year 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue Underpass project in Grand Forks, North Dakota, according to an April 16 announcement. The project aims to improve daily travel, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for both residents and visitors.
The underpass construction will separate roadway and rail traffic at the crossing by building two underpasses. Work crews will lower 42nd Street beneath new bridges for DeMers Avenue and BNSF rail. This change is expected to eliminate train delays, resulting in a smoother route for motorists.
Drivers should expect changing traffic patterns, lane shifts, and extended closures during construction. Next month, a closure of 42nd Street between James Ray Drive and 43rd Street will take effect through the end of the construction season in 2026. Traffic will be detoured via Washington Street while east-west access along DeMers Avenue continues with temporary configurations. Additional projects nearby may also affect travel conditions; these include work along Interstate 29 between Exit 138 and Exit 145, construction of the Altru Sports Complex on 42nd Street, and updates at Ray Richards Golf Course.
The City of Grand Forks is leading this effort with support from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and BNSF Railway. The NDDOT manages eight district offices across North Dakota that oversee roadway maintenance, construction oversight, administrative services, vehicle registration, driver licensing services as well as upkeep for more than 8,500 miles of roadways and nearly 4,900 bridges according to its official website. The department operates under executive leadership including a director and deputy directors responsible for engineering, administration, planning and driver services per its official website.
The NDDOT’s broader mission is to facilitate safe transport across the state while advancing quality service standards that support economic progress according to its official website. It functions as a state agency charged with developing North Dakota’s surface transportation system as reported by its official website.
Officials encourage motorists traveling through affected areas to slow down near work zones or posted signs—and plan ahead for extra travel time.
