Projects - North Dakota Department of Transportation

Main Avenue Reconstruction: University Drive to Red River (2019 - 2020)



The second phase of the Main Avenue Makeover to reconstruct the roadway between Broadway and North University Drive will begin in the spring of 2020.

The first phase of the two-year Main Avenue Makeover is complete. This phase focused on the section between the Red River and Broadway. It also included the construction of a two-lane roundabout at 2nd Street South.

Between the Red River to Broadway intersection, Main Avenue now operates as a three-lane arterial road with upgraded pedestrian facilities, 78 on-street parallel parking spaces and a two-lane roundabout at 2nd Street South intersection. The speed limit is 30 mph.

Drone image
New Main Avenue Looking West
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Courtesy: Apex Engineering, Oct. 9, 2019

 

On Thursday, October 17, 2019, the NDDOT together with the City of Fargo and other federal, state and local officials celebrated the completion of the first phase of the Main Avenue reconstruction from the Red River to Broadway.

Project Overview:
NDDOT together with the City of Fargo is transforming this gateway into a safe, accessible and corridor to and through the heart of Fargo. The project will improve 50 – 60-year-old underground infrastructure, aging driving surfaces and lessen pedestrian system gaps through the downtown corridor. The improved pedestrian facilities corridor will continue to serve as one of the three downtown corridors that provides a vital connection to Moorhead.

Project work will be spread over two-years, 2019 – 2020. The first phase focused on the section between the Red River and Broadway, which also included the construction of a roundabout at 2nd Street South. The second phase will reconstruct the segment between Broadway and North University Drive.

Current Main Avenue: Five-lane roadway
Reconstructed Main Avenue: Three lanes from 2nd Street to 10th Street, with upgraded pedestrian facilities and additional parking

Project Work Timeline:
The first phase of road work started on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Construction lasted throughout the summer and fall, with substantial completion for the first year of project work completed in early-October 2019.

The project has entered winter suspension. The second year of the Main Avenue makeover will continue in spring of 2020 between Broadway to University Drive.

Project Work:
The 2019 project work from the Red River through Broadway included:

  • Upgrading existing water main and sanitary sewer system
  • Installation of new storm sewer, roadway pavement, roundabout at the 2nd St intersection, traffic signals, street lighting and landscaping features
  • Widen pedestrian facilities on both sides of Main Avenue, with new pedestrian crossings
  • Additional on-street parking

Project Limits:
2019 work zone limits: .451 miles from Red River to Broadway in Fargo
2019 traffic control limits: 8th Street intersection to east of 2nd Street intersection

Public Information Meetings:

The public information meetings have concluded for the first year of project work. These meeting were held biweekly from 11:30 a.m. to noon at Fargo Park District Depot (701 Main Avenue).

This winter open houses will begin for the 2020 project work.

Purpose:
Main Avenue, which is part of the NDDOT Regional Highway System, serves as an arterial roadway for people traveling into and through town. Constructed in the 1950’s, this stretch of Main Avenue is one of the oldest roads in Fargo. The pavement and underground utilities are deteriorating and in need of replacement, and without long term improvements this stretch of road will continue to cost the City a significant amount of time and financial resources created by the frequent maintenance it requires. Furthermore, the addition of the roundabout at the intersection with 2nd Street will help facilitate and improve traffic flows entering the City.

Funding:
The cost of construction is estimated to be $10 million for 2019 project work. Funding for the project will consist of a combination of the following sources:

  • Federal Highway Funds from the NDDOT’s Regional Highway System (80%)
  • Watermain Replacement Funds
  • Water Utility Funds
  • Sewer Utility Funds
  • Special Assessments
  • Sales Tax Funds

Traffic counts:
Current 2015 – Pass: 20,070; Trucks: 410; Total: 20,480
Forecast 2040 – Pass: 21,619; Trucks: 441; Total: 22,060

More Information:
This project is in partnership with the City of Fargo.

 



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