Fargo Approves Design for 12th Avenue North Bridge Upgrade

The new bridge will feature a mini-roundabout and be able to withstand major flooding.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Fargo City Commission has unanimously approved a new design for the 12th Avenue North bridge, which connects Fargo and Moorhead. The $26-29 million project will include a mini-roundabout at the intersection of 12th Avenue and Elm Street, as well as raise the bridge height to withstand major flooding events that have impacted the area in recent years.

Why it matters

The 12th Avenue North bridge is a critical transportation link for over 12,000 vehicles per day traveling between Fargo and Moorhead. The new design aims to improve traffic flow and safety, while also ensuring the bridge remains accessible during spring flooding that has impacted the area multiple times in the past 15 years.

The details

The new bridge design will feature a mini-roundabout at the intersection of 12th Avenue and Elm Street, which city engineers say will improve traffic operations during peak hours and have less impact on nearby Jack Williams Stadium. The current bridge has gone underwater 8 out of the last 15 years when the Red River reaches flood stage at 27 feet. The new design will raise the bridge height to withstand major flooding events.

  • The Fargo City Commission unanimously approved the bridge design on February 2, 2026.
  • The $1.5 million design phase is currently underway and funded by a federal grant.
  • The city plans to apply for additional federal grants in the fall of 2026 to fund the $26-29 million construction phase.

The players

Jeremy Gordon

An engineer with the City of Fargo's Transportation Division who presented the bridge design to the City Commission.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Better traffic operations at peak hours, less impacts at Jack Williams Stadium and, believe it or not, the majority of residents from the public preferred the mini roundabout versus the traffic signal. So I would say as a traffic engineer in the last 25 years, we've made progress with roundabouts.”

— Jeremy Gordon, Engineer, City of Fargo Transportation Division

What’s next

The city plans to apply for additional federal grants in the fall of 2026 to fund the $26-29 million construction phase of the 12th Avenue North bridge project.

The takeaway

This bridge upgrade project demonstrates Fargo's commitment to improving critical transportation infrastructure and enhancing public safety, even in the face of increasing flood risks due to climate change. The new design features innovative solutions like the mini-roundabout that aim to improve traffic flow and accessibility for the thousands of drivers who rely on this bridge every day.