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: 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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Recent News
View All NewsPublic 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.
Public Information Meeting - 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks
Thursday, July 23, 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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