Fargo City Commission Approves 12th Avenue Bridge Concept Design

The new bridge will be built off the existing alignment and cost between $26-29 million.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 1:15am

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Fargo City Commissioners have approved the next phase of the design for the 12th Avenue Bridge over the Red River. The commission voted for an Off-Existing Alignment build for the bridge, which will cost between $26-29 million. The current bridge is prone to flooding and has poor pedestrian access, but the new design will address these issues.

Why it matters

The 12th Avenue Bridge is an important transportation link in Fargo, but the aging infrastructure has caused problems during flood events. The new design aims to improve safety and accessibility while also being more cost-effective than other options.

The details

The Off-Existing Alignment build was chosen because it requires less permanent right-of-way on the Moorhead side, has fewer impacts on the nearby Jack Williams Stadium, and is about $3 million cheaper than other options. The current bridge is too low to withstand major Red River flooding, but the new design will allow 37 feet of water to pass through, avoiding submersion during flood stage. The project will also include a mini-roundabout at the Elm Street and 12th Avenue North intersection.

  • The project design is projected to be completed in January 2027.

The players

Fargo City Commissioners

The governing body of the City of Fargo, North Dakota that approved the next phase of the 12th Avenue Bridge design.

Jeremy Gorden

The traffic engineer who explained the benefits of the Off-Existing Alignment build for the 12th Avenue Bridge.

Michelle Turnberg

A Fargo City Commissioner who questioned whether the bridge is still needed due to the flood diversion project.

Tim Mahoney

The Mayor of Fargo who said there may be federal grant funding available for the bridge project.

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What they’re saying

“Less permanent Right of Way needed on the Moorhead side, fewer impacts at Jack Williams Stadium and is a cheaper option by about three million (dollars).”

— Jeremy Gorden, Traffic Engineer

“The current bridge floods at flood stage 27 feet. The diversion allows 37 feet to pass through town, so anytime there would be a major flood, this wouldn't go under water. Is it necessarily needed today? Probably not. But it is needed at some time in the future.”

— Jeremy Gorden, Traffic Engineer

What’s next

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The takeaway

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