Eliminating a highway-rail grade crossing to improve a vital intersection in Grand Forks, North Dakota was the clear choice. The challenge involved designing a solution that could serve multiple stakeholders, meet federal funding milestones, and accommodate complex construction and rail operational requirements.

Olsson answered the challenge with a combination of technical depth, rail grade separation expertise, and multidisciplinary coordination to design a new railroad underpass at DeMers Avenue and 42^nd Street. The underpass is part of a larger grade-separation project that will improve daily travel for over 15,000 vehicles and enhance safety for motorists, railroad workers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency responders.

As a subconsultant, we are supporting the project through project-wide geotechnical services and railroad bridge design. Construction is underway and scheduled for completion in 2028.

Project need

The project will improve the intersection where 42^nd Street meets DeMers Avenue, a segment of North Dakota Highway 297 that runs east-west through Grand Forks. A busy BNSF Railway corridor parallels DeMers Avenue. The three primary stakeholders are the City of Grand Forks, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), and BNSF Railway.

Transportation infrastructure is critical to the nation's safety and ability to deliver goods and services to communities.

Parallel bridges will be built for both the rail corridor and DeMers Avenue. By eliminating the at-grade railroad crossing, the project will improve overall traffic flow and sharply reduce the risk of collisions between trains, vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The design also improves emergency response reliability by providing uninterrupted access to nearby medical facilities and the University of North Dakota campus even during busy railroad operations.

Funding opportunity

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $30 million grant to the City of Grand Forks from the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program (RCE). The program was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“Everyone can agree infrastructure is critical to our country’s safety, security, and ability to transport goods and services to our communities,” said U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer at the grant announcement. “These funds will help the people of Grand Forks and our nation’s commerce move freely and efficiently.”

Design elements

Olsson’s geotechnical scope supported the full project footprint, including the roadway, track, and both bridge structures. Early subsurface investigations did more than check a box — they directly influenced bridge geometry, site grading, and construction sequencing.

When initial evaluations revealed embankment stability challenges, the team quickly used the findings to inform span layout, substructure composition, and approach configuration. Geotechnical engineering accelerated the design by identifying constraints early so civil and structural teams could react while options were still open.

At the center of the project, a new BNSF underpass redefines the intersection’s function and identity. The 197-foot, four-span rolled steel beam railroad bridge is designed to seamlessly support mainline operations while anticipating future expansion. Supported by deep foundation piling, the structure pairs a steel superstructure with a reinforced concrete deck, complete with integrated waterproofing and drainage for long-term resilience. Beyond performance, carefully considered architectural elements transform the bridge into a defining gateway for Grand Forks.

Challenges and solutions

The challenge of the bridge design and geometry paled in comparison to the multidisciplinary coordination required to meet stringent vertical and horizontal clearance requirements, satisfy stakeholder aspirations, and meet a schedule dictated by federal funding requirements. Phased construction demands required rapid, sound decision-making, further highlighting the importance of an experienced and skilled design team.

Our freight rail experience and coordination efforts proved invaluable for keeping the project on schedule. Olsson worked closely with NDDOT and BNSF to advance design as fast and as far as practical while minimizing the risk of major rework. Key design decisions were carefully sequenced and submittals were packaged to balance progress with review efficiency.

Bringing rail expertise, technical insight, and strong public agency partnerships together.

Equally important was our familiarity with BNSF standard practices, likely review comments, and railroad operations. We identified potential sticking points so they could be addressed early, often before they became formal comments. Our rail fluency shortened review cycles and maintained momentum, helping keep the project schedule achievable.

As the project continues, we will provide support with ongoing Federal Railroad Administration grant compliance, including monitoring plans and documentation required under the RCE program.

The project will transform a complex, high-risk intersection into a safe, reliable community gateway for decades to come. And it demonstrates what happens when rail expertise, early technical insight, and strong public agency partnerships come together.

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