Moorhead underpass project put on hold

A major Moorhead road project is being put on hold. While the underpass at Main and 20th is on hold, the reopening of these on ramps by Menards is a go for 2012.

The city of Moorhead has already purchased several properties around the intersection of Main Avenue and 20th and 21st streets to prepare for construction of an underpass and realignment of the BNSF track. But much like the traffic gridlock the project would relieve, it has become a victim of political gridlock in Washington.

Nancy Otto – Moorhead City Council 1st Ward: “Any of our previous rail underpasses or overpasses, we depend on earmarks and they're just not there at a federal level.”

So the project is not gone but it's now more tops on a wish list of other big projects.

Nancy Otto: “Whenever we get the funding for that resolved we're right on to another one at 11th street.”

While the underpass at Main and 20th is on hold, the reopening of these on ramps by Menards is a go for 2012. This project is not as complicated and will be paid for with local funds

Mike Redlinger – Moorhead City Manager: “Assessment model, you know how many special assessments are you going to need to be able fund that. But those ramps will be rebuilt now that we have permission to do it.”

Back at Main and 20th it will continue to be a waiting game with Congress. In 2013 Moorhead will likely not undertake any major road projects and divert funding to finishing flood buyouts.

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