Contact
Tara Ekren, PIO
Red River Valley Alliance
[email protected]
Milestone Met…Second Bridge Opens to Traffic
Second bridge over the stormwater diversion channel opens to traffic
FARGO, N.D. – Red River Valley Alliance is excited to announce the opening of the County Road 32 crossing over the stormwater diversion channel, a portion of the larger, FM Area Diversion project. This second bridge opening is an exciting milestone which signifies another step toward permanent reliable flood protection.
Located northwest of Harwood, North Dakota, construction on the CR 32 bridge began in September 2023, and opened to traffic on December 17, 2024. As part of this crossing, the existing CR 32 and 168th Avenue SE are being realigned.
Like the previously opened CR 4/31 bridge, the CR 32 bridge also uses lightweight geofoam blocks, which are used in the approaches to the bridges in place of an earthen embankment. “Geofoam blocks have a high compressive resistance rate which makes it perfect to support oncoming traffic and the repeated stress and compression that takes place on structures like bridges,” according to Geofoam International, LLC.
Using geofoam at the approaches of the bridge provides multiple benefits that are cost effective and more optimal than traditional fill material such as soil, concrete or rock. It also decreases construction timelines.
Work on the bridge and realigned roadways was completed by ASN Constructors and subcontractors Industrial Builders, Inc and Park Construction Co.
For more information about the FM Area Diversion project, visit www.fmdiversion.gov.
