Grand Forks to make push for rail project funding

Grand Forks is looking to spend $278 thousand dollars for an Environmental Assessment of the proposed 42^nd Street rail separation project. The underpass is designed to eliminate traffic jams caused by trains at the intersection of 42^nd and DeMers.

The city says the environmental review is the next step in securing state funding this legislative session. City Engineer Al Grasser says the project has been around since 2004 and there are two options still on the table. “The current cost estimate that we have we tried to update and adjust due to inflation with a 2022 estimated cost about $45 million…all in…that would be design…land acquisition…utility relocates…and construction.”

Grasser says the latest analysis will also provide some early engineering layouts.

A construction timeline is not yet available. The 42^nd Street underpass is the city’s top legislative priority over a list that includes a 47^th Street interchange and an inter-city bridge.

The council will review the funding request tonight (Tuesday).