Red River Bridges Receive $24 Million Upgrade

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $24 million for the Red River Regional Bridge System Replacement Project in Norman, Polk, and Clay counties. The funding comes through the USDOT BUILD program and will support the replacement of up to three bridges over the Red River.

The project focuses on improving aging bridges that are often affected by flooding. These crossings play an important role in connecting Minnesota and North Dakota by supporting commuters, freight transportation, commercial activity, and agricultural businesses throughout the Red River Valley.

“The bridges connecting Minnesota and North Dakota in the Red River Valley are vital to our ag economy and the surrounding communities,” said Senator Smith. “Replacing three old bridges across the Red River will keep commodities moving to market and ensure friends and neighbors have safe crossings as they drive across the prairie.”

The new federal investment helps address transportation challenges while strengthening connections between rural communities. Reliable bridges are especially important for agriculture because farmers and businesses depend on safe transportation routes to move products, equipment, and supplies.

“The bridges over the Red River are aging, vulnerable to flooding, and need to be replaced. This federal grant will deliver resources for the bridge replacement project, ensuring both drivers and freight can safely cross the Red River between Minnesota and North Dakota,” Senator Klobuchar said.

The announcement continues efforts to improve infrastructure in the Red River Valley. In 2022, Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar, and John Hoeven (R-ND) secured $437 million in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding for permanent flood protection projects in the region. With that support, the project reached its complete federal funding commitment of $750 million.

BUILD grants, previously known as RAISE grants, support transportation projects with important local and regional benefits. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into law in 2021, increased available BUILD grant funding by 50 percent. The law also provides resources to improve roads, bridges, public transportation, and water infrastructure.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska