News

As contractors continue work on the SE Main|20 St|21 St underpass, the City of Moorhead is in the midst of seeking funding for an underpass in downtown Moorhead at 11 Street (tracks between Center and 1 Ave N, and the tracks between Main and Center Aves). This “double” underpass at 11 Street will measurably improve safety and emergency response while promoting economic growth in Moorhead’s downtown.

The project is estimated to save more than 4 million vehicle hours of delay over 20 years. The project benefits transportation safety and mobility at the local and regional level, and also improves freight rail efficiency on the national transportation network. This makes it appropriate for state and federal assistance. There is a federal grant request pending (decision mid-November 2019). If successful, this grant would still not be sufficient to fund the entire project. The City made a request of the state legislature for state bonding resources in 2019, but the legislature did not pass a bonding bill before they adjourned this past May. A request from the City of Moorhead and Minnesota Department of Transportation is pending for consideration the 2020 legislative session, the outcome of that request will be known next May.

The 11 Street underpass project is an important priority for the City. Until funding is secured, we unfortunately can’t project the timeline. Construction could begin by 2022 if the current state and federal funding requests are successful.

The City of Moorhead will issue updates as federal and state funding decisions are made.

Lisa Bode, Governmental Affairs, 218.299.5372.