Central ND News

The BNSF Railway project team is making significant progress on the new railroad bridge over the Missouri River at Bismarck and Mandan. As of December 2024, construction has reached the halfway mark, with on-water activities paused for winter. The equipment used in river operations has been removed, allowing crews a brief holiday break.

Throughout 2024, work continued at a steady pace. Crews worked double shifts to remove river bottom material from Pier 7's cofferdam and began night pile driving to maintain schedule. Approximately 65% of the embankment on the west side is complete, with additional materials required to achieve the necessary elevation for the railroad track.

Progress includes completion of Abutment 1 and Piers 2 and 3 on the east side. On the west side, Pier 9 is advancing well with completed pile driving, footing poured, and lower stem section finished. Pier 8's pile driving is nearing completion, while work continues on Pier 7.

BNSF expresses gratitude for community cooperation and aims for project completion by 2027. The collaboration with local agencies remains crucial as they construct a bridge expected to serve customers and the state for another century.

Truck operations resumed in June to deliver materials for the embankment via Liberty Memorial Bridge access road adjacent to I-194, avoiding local roads. The project team advises motorists to exercise caution in work zones.

In May, timing adjustments were made for pier construction; crews completed pile production for Pier 9 and worked on cofferdams for Piers 7 and 8. Recreational river users are reminded that some areas remain inaccessible due to construction but an open channel will be maintained.

Construction resumed in April after a winter pause with barge assembly supporting in-water work at Pier 7. In March, preparations began for constructing piers on both sides of the river throughout spring and summer seasons.

The River Road Trail in Bismarck will mostly remain open during construction except when safety necessitates closures. Construction traffic will continue using designated routes agreed upon with NDDOT to minimize disruption on local roads.

For ongoing updates or more information about this extensive infrastructure project, interested parties can visit https://bnsfbismarckbridge.com/.