Central ND News

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is set to allocate $20 million in state funding to accelerate the completion of a railroad underpass project near the University of North Dakota campus. This announcement was made by Governor Kelly Armstrong during a meeting with Grand Forks officials in Bismarck.

The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety by constructing an underpass at the railroad crossing on 42nd Street. It will also include a 10-foot-wide shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians.

In July 2023, officials announced a $30 million federal grant for this project through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. However, construction estimates exceeded the initial $60 million projection. To avoid delays, Armstrong has authorized NDDOT to utilize its Flexible Transportation Fund Program (Flex Fund) to ensure full funding and timely commencement of the project.

“Those of us who have lived in Grand Forks and attended UND are all too familiar with the traffic delays and collisions that occur at the railroad crossing on the west end of campus. Using our Flex Fund to expedite this project will improve public safety and save valuable time and resources for taxpayers and students,” Armstrong stated.

Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with an expected completion date in 2028.

The Flex Fund was created in 2023 to support an interconnected transportation system in North Dakota alongside the Federal Aid Highway program. The state funds can be used for enhancing transportation infrastructure both on and off the state highway system, as well as matching local funds and federal discretionary grants, facilitating quicker project completions.