Northern Red River Flood Study

Northern Red River Flooding

About

The flooding of the Red River impacts large portions of Minnesota and North Dakota. Many roads and bridges are frequently overtopped in this area which have had a substantial effect on transportation agencies, users, and the surrounding communities, forcing vehicles to follow detours, limiting access and service across the region, and requiring roadway monitoring, cleanup, and repairs.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is working in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to gain a better understanding of what can be done to improve transportation in the Northern Red River Valley during flooding events, from approximately Grand Forks, ND to the Canadian border.

The goal of the multi-year study is to identify projects to reduce the frequency and duration of Interstate and Highway closures due to flooding of the Red River.

$2.5M was allocated during the 2025 legislative session to partner with MnDOT and the US Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study to identify projects that reduce the frequency and duration of transportation infrastructure closures due to flooding of the Red River.

Estimated Cost

As this is a study, there are no project costs. North Dakota's 69th Legislative Assembly: $2.5 million was allocated during the 2025 legislative session for the Northern Red River Flood Study.

Estimated Completion

Findings for this study are estimated to be completed January 2027.

Location

Northern Red River Flooding Study Location
Northern Red River Flooding Study Location

Contacts

Company & Title
NDDOT Northern Red River Project Manager
Email
mdeis@nd.gov
Name
Monte Deis

Alternative Contact

Company & Title
Barr Engineering Project Manager
Email
jkoehler@barr.com
Name
Jennifer Koehler
Northern Red River Flood Study StoryMap

This resource link provides more information and details about the flood study, including:

  • flooding history,
  • study partnerships,
  • study goals and objectives,
  • web map with opportunity for comment on the study area, and
  • project updates
Northern Red River Flood Study StoryMap