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Crews continue installation of the storm sewer pipe from W.H. Davy-Memorial Park to the future lift station at First Avenue and 11th Street. The intersection of Eighth Street and First Avenue is expected to reopen the week of Oct. 21. When it reopens, the long-term detour will switch to Eighth Street, and First Avenue will remain closed east of Eighth Street to 12th Street.
Separate from the underpass project, but impacting the detour route at 14th Street, the railroad will be closing the north crossing at 14th Street from Oct. 25-29. They will be making repairs at the crossing, similar to what they did at other locations this summer. Traffic will be detoured to the 20th Street underpass. Pedestrians should continue to 8th Street to cross. Please do not walk through the work zone.
 Phase 2 of the storm sewer installation across First Avenue
 When the work at First/Eighth Street is completed, the long-term detour will switch to Eighth Street
Construction progress
The KO and Hillsboro shooflys, the temporary tracks for the trains, are now both in operation. Crews are installing sheeting for the bridge abutments to construct the underpasses at both locations. They are also beginning work on the bridge retaining wall and the retaining wall near the fire hall.
On the west side of the project in Memorial Park, crews have completed paving and are working on final seeding. The City of Moorhead will be reinstalling the playground equipment in the upcoming weeks!
At the site of the future lift station, near First Avenue and 11th Street, the foundation and walls have been poured. There are several parts to the storm sewer system that are specifically designed for this project to help pump water from the underpasses. The lift station at First Avenue and 11th Street will pump water through pressurized pipes to the force main vault. Once the water gets to the force mail vault, gravity helps the water flow to the river. The gravity flow pipe is done, and now crews are working on laying the pressurized pipe along First Avenue. As they finish that up, the intersection at First Avenue N and Eighth Street will reopen, but First Avenue N will remain closed between Ninth Street and 12th Street. The new detour will follow Eighth Street, Second Avenue N and 14th Street going forward.
On the south end, work on Second Avenue S is complete! We appreciate the community and motorist's patience as we waited on concrete to cure.
 Piling takes place at the retaining wall, near Moorhead Fire.
 View of the lift station, shows the foundation and walls of the structure
The prime contractor has made a change to the project staging schedule. Instead of working on Center Avenue in 2025, they will switch next year's focus to Main Avenue. Work on Center Avenue will then begin in approximately October 2025 lasting through October 2026.
Construction logistics and traffic mobility were the primary reasons for this decision. The section on Main Avenue is a smaller portion of the project, whereas the work on Center Avenue ties the entire project together. In addition, when Center Avenue is closed, Main Avenue and First Avenue will be open to traffic. This change will help minimize long-term traffic impacts and better maintain downtown traffic flow through the 11th Street project.
We appreciate the community's understanding and apologize for any inconvenience the change causes. If you are a business in the project area and have not yet spoken to the business liaison about this change, please call 218-292-8779 if you have questions or concerns.
 Map shows construction staging change, with work occuring on Main Ave in 2025 and Center Ave in 2026.
Over the winter, you can expect some operations to slow down on the project when the ground begins to freeze. Piling will continue through Christmas, weather permitting. Depending on the winter weather in January and February, we expect construction to pause, with work picking back up again in March.
The current work zones and detour will remain in place over the winter.
Other reminders
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Train horns have resumed in the Downtown Quiet Zone during construction hours (Monday - Friday, 6am - 7pm). This is a requirement of the railroad, and we appreciate your understanding as worker safety is prioritized.
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Moorhead businesses are open during construction! If your destination falls within/near the work zone or along the detour routes, please check in with the business to determine the best route there.
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Never enter an area that's blocked by barriers or cones. It is not safe to drive, walk or bike around barricades, even in areas where workers aren't present or active. Those boundaries are set up for your safety. There are signed detours installed for both motorists and pedestrians. Please use those routes.
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There may be other projects in Moorhead that could affect your travel routes, so please check in with the City of Moorhead for plans and impacts. Visit their website or follow the City of Moorhead on Facebook.
Please report any issues to the 11th Street Underpass hotline number at 218-292-8779.
For more information about this project, visit mndot.gov/d4/projects/moorhead11thstunderpass.
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