Grand Forks 42nd Street closure starts June 29, temporary bypass planned for DeMers Avenue

Beginning on Monday, June 29, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the City of Grand Forks will take the next major step in construction of the U.S. Highway 2/DeMers Avenue grade‑separated interchange by closing a busy segment of North 42nd Street and shifting east‑west traffic to a temporary bypass.  The $81.7 million project is designed to improve safety and capacity by eliminating at‑grade crossings at the 42nd Street railroad corridor, but it will disrupt travel on the west side of Grand Forks for the next two years【352948281524782†L257-L296】.

According to NDDOT’s June 26 announcement, North 42nd Street will close at the intersection of DeMers Avenue and extend north to James Ray Drive near the airport beginning June 29.  Access to businesses on 42nd Street will remain open from the north via University Avenue, but motorists will not be able to cross DeMers Avenue from 42nd Street.  During the closure, drivers needing to travel north–south on the west side of the city should detour to Interstate 29 or use nearby local routes, including 32nd Avenue or 55th Street, to cross the railroad tracks.  North–south drivers should also be alert for changing traffic patterns because the closure will restrict cross‑traffic at DeMers Avenue and 42nd Street【352948281524782†L257-L296】.

A second phase of the detour will begin as soon as Monday, July 6.  At that time, DeMers Avenue (U.S. Highway 2) will shift to a temporary bypass on the south side of the existing roadway so contractors can begin building a bridge over the BNSF Railway line.  Two‑way traffic will continue on DeMers Avenue, but drivers should expect reduced speeds and narrow lanes.  Message boards and signs will direct drivers onto the bypass and remind them to slow down and merge early.  The north–south detour using 24th Avenue and 55th Street will remain in place while the bypass is in use【352948281524782†L257-L296】.

The closure of 42nd Street is expected to last until September 2027, when construction of the grade‑separated interchange and associated multi‑lane roundabouts on either side is complete【352948281524782†L257-L296】.  When finished, 42nd Street will pass under DeMers Avenue, eliminating the congested at‑grade intersection and improving access to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks International Airport and surrounding businesses.  The NDDOT urges motorists to obey all signs, yield to construction vehicles and cross‑traffic, and allow extra travel time for delays.  Drivers can check statewide travel information at 511ND or by visiting the NDDOT’s website.

Anyone with questions about the project can attend a public information meeting on Monday, July 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alerus Center, Ballroom 4, where project designers will outline phasing, timelines and detour routes and answer questions.  Those unable to attend can submit comments online at the NDDOT’s virtual meeting portal.  For more information, contact NDDOT public information officer Dave Vasek at 701‑328‑4444.