Main Ave Reconstruction: Broadway to the Red River

Overall Map

Overall Map

Current Status:

Crews have reopened the Main Avenue and 2nd Street South intersection as a two-lane roundabout and additional travel routes in downtown Fargo. Motorists and pedestrians will encounter:

• Veterans Memorial Bridge OPEN to east – west traffic
• 2nd Street North underpass OPEN to north – south traffic
• Shared use path OPEN through the roundabout and on both sides of Veterans Memorial Bridge

With the opened roundabout, the 2nd Street South exit turn will remain closed initially to through traffic. The adjacent City of Fargo flood mitigation project remains active on the south leg of 2nd Street South. Weather permitting, work is slated to be complete in October.

Between the Red River to Broadway intersection, Main Avenue will operate as 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.

Current Project Map

Roundabout Graphic

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 will focus on the section between the Red River and Broadway. This phase will also include the construction of a roundabout at 2nd Street South. The second phase will reconstruct the segment between Broadway and North University Drive.

The 2019 project work from the Red River through Broadway includes:

• Replacement of the existing water main and sanitary sewer.
• Installation of new storm sewer.
• Installation of new pavement (including a roundabout at the 2nd St intersection).
• Installation of new traffic signals.
• Installation of new street lighting.
• Installation of new landscaping features.

Impacts:

Detours around work zones will be implemented at various times throughout the project. Stay current on detour routes, business access, and all other project updates by visiting FargoStreets.com, where you can sign up for project email notifications. You can also follow FargoStreets on Twitter (@FargoStreets) and Facebook for up-to-date road related information.

Timeline:

Road work started on Wednesday, April 17. Construction is scheduled to last throughout the summer and fall, with substantial completion for the first year of project work scheduled for mid-October 2019.

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

2019 and 2020 project work

Funding:

The cost of construction is estimated to be approximately $12 million. Funding for the project will consist of a combination of the following sources:

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

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.

Project History & Reconstruction Options Considered:

After significant consideration, the Hybrid Option with a roundabout at the 2nd St intersection was selected for the reconstruction of Main Avenue from 2nd Street to University Drive. Here is the background on the design alternatives that were considered:

• The roadway alternatives considered included (see below for animated drive-throughs of each alternative):
• 5-lane roadway with no new on-street parking (retaining most on-street parking that exists today). Click the following link for a PDF layout of this alternative: Main Avenue Alternative B
• 3-lane roadway consisting of one lane each direction and a two-way left turn lane with on-street parking on two sides. Click the following link for a PDF layout of this alternative: Main Avenue Alternative C
• 4-lane roadway consisting of two eastbound lanes, one westbound lane, a two-way left turn lane, with on-street parking on one side. Click the following link for a PDF layout of this alternative: Main Avenue Alternative D
• A Hybrid option, consisting of a 3-lane alternative from 2nd Street to 9th Street, transitioning to a 4-lane section between 9th Street and 11th Street, and a 5-lane section west of 11th Street. Click the following link for a PDF layout of this alternative: Main Avenue Alternative E
• A roundabout for the intersection of 2nd Street is also being considered as a sub-alternative that could be implemented with all the options listed above. Click the following link for a PDF layout of this option: Main Avenue Roundabout
• A counterflow lane on University Drive between Main and NP Avenue N is also being considered as a sub-alternative that could be implemented with all the options listed above. Click the following link for a PDF layout of this option: Main Avenue University Counterflow

A redevelopment and economic analysis was performed to compare redevelopment potential along Main Avenue as a 5-lane roadway or a reduced roadway section such as a 3-lane. Below are drive-through animations of the alternatives that were considered.

Drive-Through Animations:

Draft Project Purpose & Need Statement:

The purpose of the project is to provide an opportunity for an enhanced business environment with an active, safe and convenient environment for pedestrians while still providing a safe and efficient transportation corridor that will support regional and local traffic needs. Furthermore, the project intends to improve aging corridor infrastructure (pavement, sewer, water, and storm sewer) and mitigate pedestrian system deficiencies. Ultimately, the project has potential to stimulate an environment that encourages investment and redevelopment throughout a reinvented corridor that is fully integrated into the urban fabric of Downtown Fargo and continues to serve as one of the three downtown corridors that provide a vital connection to Moorhead, Minnesota.