Report: BNSF Bridge Construction Ramps Up

The Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge spans the Missouri River between Bismarck, N.Dak., and Mandan, N.Dak. (Bruce Kelly)

BISMARCK, N.Dak. – BNSF says construction will “ramp up” this year on a new rail bridge located between Bismarck and Mandan, N.Dak., according to a KYFR report.

According to the report, crews began clearing trees and constructing an access road to build the new bridge, which will replace the historic rail bridge that has been in use since 1883.

This summer, KYFR reports, that piers are expected to be constructed on the east and west banks and in the middle of the Missouri River. A channel in the river will be left open for recreational boaters, according to the report. Some spans of the east and west ends of the bridge may be hoisted into place.

According to the report, a North Dakota Supreme Court decision on whether the historic bridge will stay up is pending.

Further Reading:

• Nonprofit Group Appeals Decision Regarding BNSF Rail Bridge
• BNSF Begins Construction on New Railway Bridge