West Fargo Considers Major railroad Crossing Upgrades to Accommodate Growth
Table of Contents
A comprehensive study evaluating railroad crossings in the West Fargo area has revealed potential infrastructure improvements needed to support anticipated development spurred by the completion of the F-M Diversion project. the study, presented to the West Fargo City Commission on Monday, December 1, outlines several options ranging from overpasses to new crossings, with a focus on enhancing safety and traffic flow.
The impetus for the study originated three years ago when BNSF Railroad approached the Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG), offering to match the cost of an evaluation to avoid burdening local cities with the expense. According to a senior official, this collaborative approach demonstrates a commitment to proactive infrastructure planning.
Did you know? – The F-M Diversion project, a flood control initiative, is driving the need for these railroad crossing upgrades. Increased development is expected as an inevitable result of the project’s completion, necessitating improved infrastructure.
The evaluation, contracted to HDR, an architecture and engineering consulting firm, began in June 2024 and examined 15 locations across the metro area, with four specifically within west Fargo. Teams assessed existing crossings and identified potential new sites, ultimately recommending improvements based on safety, efficiency, and future growth projections.
26th Street Northwest: A Potential Overpass Solution
Perhaps the most important proposal centers on 26th Street Northwest, where officials anticipate the future construction of an Interstate 94 interchange. The preferred solution, according to the study, is the construction of an overpass capable of spanning six lanes of traffic, complete with a dedicated pedestrian bridge. “Overpasses are generally preferred by the railroad,” noted a transportation engineer with HDR Inc.
This project received the “highest score out of the entire metro area” based on criteria established by two committees comprised of representatives from various stakeholders, including local governments, transportation departments, railroad companies, and community organizations. These committees prioritized improvements that would enhance public safety and benefit local businesses.
Pro tip: – Overpasses are ofen favored by railroads because they eliminate at-grade crossings, reducing the risk of collisions and delays. This also improves traffic flow and reduces congestion for vehicles.
Addressing Existing Challenges and future needs
Beyond 26th Street, the study identified other areas requiring attention. A new railroad crossing is proposed for 15th Street Northwest to accommodate anticipated growth, though a company release acknowledged the challenges posed by existing businesses and the complexity of the location. “This is a pretty challenging location given the local business, and the number of tracks that are there, the width you would have to cover, the span of the bridge would get a little large,” one analyst noted.
At Ninth Street Northwest, where a low-clearance underpass currently exists, an overpass is considered the preferred long-term solution. Alternatively,raising the existing underpass to accommodate larger vehicles remains a viable option,notably if cost is a primary concern. “If cost is a consideration, it could go either way and still be a pretty big improvement over what is there today,” a senior official stated.
Reader question: – What are your thoughts on the proposed solutions? Do you think the city is prioritizing the right areas for improvement? Share your opinion on the comments section.
The Center Street underpass has also presented challenges due to
