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, with crews having completed site preparation, utility work, and traffic control setup. The temporary bypass south of DeMers Avenue is nearing completion, with paving approximately 95% complete and remaining work limited to the median on the east end of the bypass.
- Through summer 2026, crews will complete watermain work, build a temporary rail line (shoofly), and begin bridge excavation.
- Late 2026 into early 2027, major bridge construction will take place, including pile driving, piers, and girder installation.
Traffic Impacts
42nd Street is closed north of the 42nd Street/DeMers Avenue intersection up to James Ray Drive. DeMers Avenue traffic will soon be shifted to the temporary bypass, maintaining east-to-west traffic as work progresses.
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: Due to work along 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue, the north-south sidewalk on 42nd Street is currently closed. Temporary orange safety fencing has been installed along DeMers Avenue, between the tracks and the pedestrian path, to keep pedestrians clear of the active work zone. Updates on pedestrian routing will be posted here as they become available.
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: The University of North Dakota is currently directing visitors to a specific route to reach campus during construction. Visit UND's student orientation page for detailed directions.
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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Areas Impacted
Recent News
View All News42nd 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.
NDDOT, City of Grand Forks to host biweekly public meetings for 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue project
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 07:45 am
Project Categories 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassThe North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the City of Grand Forks will host a public information open house every other Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m., starting June 11, to provide updates on the 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue underpass project. Meetings will be held in Room 201/202 at Grand Forks Public Works and Recycling Center, 724 N 47th Street in Grand Forks.
City of Grand Forks, NDDOT hosts public information meeting for 42nd Street and DeMers project
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 09:45 am
Project Categories 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassThe North Dakota Department of Transportation and the City of Grand Forks will host a public information meeting on Tuesday, May 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. to present information about the grade separation project 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks.
Construction to begin on 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue Underpass project in Grand Forks
Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 09:12 am
Project Categories 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassConstruction is expected to begin Monday, April 20, on the two-year 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue Underpass project in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to improve daily travel, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for residents and visitors.
Public Meetings
View All EventsPublic Information Meeting - 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 05:00 pm - 07:00 pm
Public Meetings 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassThe public information meeting is to discuss the grade separation project at 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks.
Public Information Meeting - 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks
Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Public Meetings 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassThe public information meeting is to discuss the grade separation project at 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks.
Public Information Meeting - 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks
Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Public Meetings 42nd Street & DeMers Avenue UnderpassThe public information meeting is to discuss the grade separation project at 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks.
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