Construction to bring permanent, reliable flood protection to nearly 260,000 people in our area will impact Interstate 94 in West Fargo during the 2024 construction season. This spring, crews will begin work on bypass lanes for both westbound and eastbound traffic, which will be used to divert traffic during the construction of interstate crossings over the stormwater diversion channel.
The bypass lanes and construction of the crossings will occur between the Raymond Interchange/Exit 342 and the weigh station in the westbound lanes and from Mile Marker 341.8 to the Raymond Interchange/Exit 342 in the eastbound lanes.
Construction of the bypass lanes will necessitate single-lane closures on I-94 until they are completed.
Red River Valley Alliance and ASN Constructors are working to finalize traffic control plans for this work, with two options currently being evaluated.
Option 1 involves maintaining traffic on the Raymond Interchange westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp as well as the weigh station entrance during construction of the bypass tie-ins. This option will likely increase the construction schedule by three to four weeks as well as create a confusing and potentially dangerous traffic flow scenario due to the complex traffic merging that will need to take place at the ramp tie-in locations.
Option 2 involves the closure of the Raymond Interchange westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp as well as the weigh station entrance during construction of the bypass tie-ins for approximately one week. Detour routes for each ramp closure would be available. This option would expedite the construction schedule by three to four weeks in comparison to Option 1 and would significantly increase the safety of the traveling public by eliminating the potentially dangerous traffic merges noted in Option 1.
During the closure of the Raymond Interchange westbound on-ramp, traffic would be detoured one mile north to County Road 10, then two miles west to County Road 15, and one mile south to access I-94 at Exit 340. During the closure of the weigh station entrance, this facility will need to be closed as there are no alternate entrance points. During the closure of the Raymond Interchange eastbound off-ramp, traffic would need to exit I-94 two miles to the west at County Road 15/Exit 340. Please see the map at the end of this letter for detour routes.
We are seeking public input on the two options for construction. We invite you to share your input to help determine the best scenario for construction. Public input is encouraged via email to PIO@rrvafm.com. If you prefer, you can mail written comments to Public Information Officer, RRVA, 4816 Amber Valley Parkway S, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58104. Public input will be accepted until February 23, 2024.
We appreciate your feedback.
