BNSF is building a new 1,554-foot rail bridge adjacent to the aging structure across the Missouri River between Bismarck and Mandan to support heavier, taller freight loads and future expansion. The project is already past its halfway point, and by late 2025, crews hope to have major bridge segments in place.
Once operational, freight trains will be able to carry heavier, wider and taller loads than before, improving capacity on a key north–south route through Bismarck.
Local manufacturers, grain elevators, and bulk-shippers stand to benefit from lower shipping costs and fewer rail delays. During construction, some freight may see temporary reroutes or slower speeds, which could ripple into logistics delays.
A section of River Road Trail has been closed (≈200 ft on both sides of the bridge) to accommodate pier work and staging.
Pile driving—and other heavy work—occurs day and night (in phases), which may bring noise and light impacts to nearby neighborhoods. Construction trucks use access routes off the Liberty Memorial Bridge and an NDDOT right-of-way road to avoid burdening local streets. Residents are urged to obey posted signs, slow down around work zones, and steer clear of restricted areas.
Despite the federal government shutdown, commercial flight service to some rural cities (including around Bismarck region) is continuing due to Essential Air Service funding.
The North Dakota Insurance Commissioner is urging extension of Obamacare subsidies because many in ND, including in Bismarck, could see sticker shock and drop coverage if subsidies lapse.
The project includes navigational aids and open channels so river traffic (boaters, anglers) can continue even during construction. Cofferdams and careful pier construction aim to minimize disturbance to riverbed, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems.
The design targets a structure that will last 100+ years with reduced maintenance and fewer service outages—a long-term benefit to the region’s environment and infrastructure resilience.
“The bridge replacement safeguards freight movement, protects supply chains, and supports economic growth for Bismarck and beyond.” - Arik Spencer, President & CEO, Greater North Dakota Chamber
“At night we try quieter tasks, but when the schedule demands, pile driving can’t be avoided. We do our best to minimize disturbance.” - On-site crew member
Through late 2025, crews will push hard to complete Piers 5 & 6, including underwater work and superstructure placement.
Once the new rail bridge is fully online, Bismarck and Mandan can expect smoother freight flow, stronger logistics potential, and fewer infrastructure constraints. The local construction pain may be real—but the payoff is a modern, resilient freight corridor built to carry the region into the next century.
