December 20, 2024

Milestone Met: Second Bridge Opens to Traffic

FARGO, N.D. – Red River Valley Alliance is excited to announce the opening of the County Road
32 crossing over the stormwater diversion channel, a portion of the larger, FM Area Diversion
project. This second bridge opening is an exciting milestone which signifies another step toward
permanent reliable flood protection.

Located northwest of Harwood, North Dakota, construction on the CR 32 bridge began in
September 2023, and opened to traffic on December 17, 2024. As part of this crossing, the
existing CR 32 and 168th Avenue SE are being realigned.

Like the previously opened CR 4/31 bridge, the CR 32 bridge also uses lightweight geofoam
blocks, which are used in the approaches to the bridges in place of an earthen embankment.
“Geofoam blocks have a high compressive resistance rate which makes it perfect to support
oncoming traffic and the repeated stress and compression that takes place on structures like
bridges,” according to Geofoam International, LLC.

Using geofoam at the approaches of the bridge provides multiple benefits that are cost effective
and more optimal than traditional fill material such as soil, concrete or rock. It also decreases
construction timelines.

Work on the bridge and realigned roadways was completed by ASN Constructors and
subcontractors Industrial Builders, Inc and Park Construction Co.

For more information about the FM Area Diversion project, visit www.fmdiversion.gov.