About
The intersection of 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue has seen significant challenges over the years with increased movement through the area. This two-year project will divide roadway and rail traffic at the crossing with the construction of an underpass. Crews will lower 42nd Street beneath two new bridges, one for DeMers Avenue and one for BNSF rail, eliminating train delays for a smoother, more reliable route.
Completion is expected by November 2027, with minor follow-up work in spring 2028 that is not expected to impact traffic.
Key benefits include:
- Safer travel by removing vehicle and train conflicts
- Reduced delays on 42nd Street
- Improved traffic flow with updated roadway connections
- Stormwater improvements that support local water quality
The project also includes planned updates to portions of Ray Richards Golf Course under a separate contract.
Project Updates
Construction is underway through summer 2026, with crews focusing on watermain work, building a temporary rail line (shoofly), and beginning bridge excavation.
Late 2026 into early 2027, major bridge construction will take place, including pile driving, piers, and girder installation.
Traffic Impacts
The DeMers Avenue and 42nd Street intersection is closed. A temporary bypass is in place to maintain east-west access along DeMers Avenue and connection to South 42nd Street. 42nd Street is closed north of the temporary bypass up to James Ray Drive. A detour is in place for passenger vehicles via Gateway Drive/U.S. Highway 2, 17th Avenue South and Columbia Road. A separate detour route is available for semitrucks to access the area via Washington Street using 32nd Avenue South or Gateway Drive interchanges. View detour maps here.
DeMers Avenue is scheduled to fully reopen in June 2027 and 42nd Street in September 2027.
Pedestrian access: A temporary shared-use path running along the temporary bypass maintains east-west access on DeMers Avenue and provides access to South 42nd Street. North-south pedestrian access at the DeMers Avenue and 42nd Street intersection is not available during this phase of the project. Columbia Road currently serves as the nearest north-south pedestrian route.
Bus routes: Due to the 42nd Street closure, Cities Area Transit (CAT) rerouted Routes 8 and 9, which serve the Verge. See CAT's Route 8 and Route 9 reroute notices or visit the CAT website for more.
Getting to UND: Construction will impact routes to and around the University of North Dakota campus. Plan ahead and use the resources below to find the best route for your destination.
For additional information and a webcam view of the project site, visit the City of Grand Forks road construction page. A webcam feed is also available via the UND Atmospheric Sciences YouTube channel.
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Recent News
View All NewsConcrete repairs continue on several interchanges along I-29; temporary closures expected
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 08:55 am
Project Categories 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassConcrete pavement repair work is underway along Interstate 29 interchanges from Exit 145 south to Exit 138. Temporary closures and traffic control will be in place as work progresses.
DeMers Avenue and 42nd Street intersection closes, temporary bypass in place
Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:31 am
Project Categories 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassThe DeMers Avenue and 42nd Street intersection in Grand Forks is closed. A temporary bypass is in place to maintain east-west access along DeMers Avenue and connection to South 42nd Street. 42nd Street is closed north of the temporary bypass up to James Ray Drive, with detours available.
42nd Street closure begins June 29, DeMers traffic shift to temporary bypass to follow
Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10:45 am
Project Categories 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassBeginning Monday, June 29, North 42nd Street is expected to close at the 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue intersection up to James Ray Drive. A closure on DeMers Avenue and traffic shift to the temporary bypass will follow as early as Monday, July 6.
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The design separates vehicles, trains, and people walking or biking to reduce conflicts and improve safety and connectivity through the corridor. Once complete, the underpass will provide a more reliable, long-term connection through the area for the whole community.
This project includes several major improvements to the 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue corridor:
- Grade-separated crossing: Separate bridges for DeMers Avenue and the railroad, so vehicles, trains, and people walking or biking no longer cross paths.
- East jug-handle intersection and new backage road: Improves traffic flow and access through the area, including a new cul-de-sac.
- Widened railroad bridge: Supports ongoing maintenance and future needs.
- Flexible DeMers Avenue design: Built with room for future access needs.
- Utility and stormwater improvements: Includes upgrades to utilities, stormwater systems, and the lift station.
- Aesthetic and placemaking elements: Decorative fencing, upgraded lighting, patterned and stained concrete, and landscaped medians create a welcoming gateway into the community.
- Ray Richards Golf Course updates: Several holes will be redesigned to address the land needed for the new intersection, ensuring the course is made whole after construction.
Project updates will be posted on the NDDOT project website, including schedule highlights and major traffic shifts. Email updates and contractor notices will be shared as work progresses, especially when impacts change. On-site signage and detours will guide drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists through the area, and NDDOT staff will remain available to answer questions throughout construction.
Yes. Some land is needed from Ray Richards Golf Course for the new jug-handle intersection, so the project includes a redesign of several holes to address those impacts and ensure the course is made whole after construction. Separately, UND is exploring additional updates near the golf course, including a potential Toptracer driving range, updated parking, and a new residential development on the east side of the course. These UND-led efforts are not part of the grade separation project but are being coordinated alongside it.
Yes. Renderings of the completed project, including the ADA-compliant pedestrian and bike facilities included in the design, are available through the following resources:
These materials show how the finished project will look and function, including the separation of vehicle, rail, and pedestrian/bike traffic through the corridor.
No. The north-south sidewalk at DeMers Avenue and 42nd Street is closed for this phase of the project, and pedestrians cannot cross north-south through the construction zone.
A temporary shared-use path along the bypass maintains east-west access on DeMers Avenue and connects to South 42nd Street. Columbia Road is currently the nearest north-south pedestrian route.
Updates on pedestrian routing will be posted here as they become available.
Yes. Due to the 42nd Street closure, Cities Area Transit (CAT) rerouted Routes 8 and 9, which serve the Verge. See CAT's Route 8 and Route 9 reroute notices or visit the CAT website for more.
With the 42nd Street closure, the University of North Dakota is directing visitors to a specific route to reach campus. No matter what direction you're coming from, get onto U.S. Highway 2 (Gateway Drive), drive south on Columbia Road, then turn right onto Jarrett Way to reach the campus parking ramp. Free parking is available on levels two through five during student orientation. Visit UND's student orientation page for more detailed directions.