Rain, rain and more rain, that seems to be the theme of the 2025 road construction season! While conditions are wet all over, crews continue to pump water and dry out materials to keep progress moving on the 11th Street underpass project.
On First Avenue, crews continue getting the roadway put back together. The wet conditions have been challenging, but as the subgrade is dried out, the road base can be built, which is a necessary step before the final grading and then paving. While the rain has caused some delays in the First Avenue schedule, the contractor is hoping to reopen First Avenue by mid-September.
Some excavations are taking place on the 11th Street underpass toward the Hillsboro bridge, in the area where the shoofly was previously. There's still a bit more time before deeper excavations will start. They will also start pouring the retaining walls on the south side of the Hillsboro bridge.
At the KO bridge, crews installed the girders, or the bridge beams, and are currently backfilling around the abutments. They will work on getting the approaches done and the bridge ready for BNSF to return in September, when trains will switch from the shoofly back to the KO mainline track.
The retaining wall on the south side of Main Avenue, in front of Hornbacher's, has been poured. But grading is the primary focus on Main Avenue, as crews keep up that dirt work despite the wet conditions.
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Starting Monday, August 18, 8th Street between Main Avenue and Center Avenue will temporarily close as BNSF replaces the railroad crossing surface. This work and closure are separate from the underpass project, but we wanted to include a note since the closure will impact how you navigate around our work zone.
Traffic will be detoured 5th Street South via Center Ave and Main Ave. The closure is anticipated to last approximately two weeks.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted detours, and allow for extra travel time. Thank you for your patience as this necessary work is completed to improve the railroad crossing.
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 Aerial photo of the project area after heavy rains last week. Most of the water has since been dried up and progres continues.
 Crews install the bridge girders, or the beams, for the KO line bridge
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Join us at our next Coffee & Construction public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m., at the Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave N.
Representatives from MnDOT, Ames Construction and the city of Moorhead will share updates and answer questions about the current progress on the 11th Street underpass. We'll see you there!
Can't make it? These meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month through October so you can always catch us at the next one. Plus, at any time, you can contact the 11th Street Underpass hotline number at 218-292-8779.
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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 the project website at mndot.gov/d4/projects/moorhead11thstunderpass.
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