BNSF has opened a new bridge over the Missouri River in Bismarck, North Dakota, replacing a 140-year-old bridge built by its predecessor, Northern Pacific.

The first trains crossed the new bridge last month, which spans 1,554 feet. Work is now focused on removing the old bridge, which was near the end of its life according to the railroad. Vertical and horizontal clearances of the old bridge limited loads that could be transported across the river.

The official cutover took 20 hours and a team of 50 people to shift rail traffic over to the new bridge.

“Putting our new BNSF bridge in service is incredibly important for our ability to continue serving customers in North Dakota and across our network,” said Amy McBeth, general director of public affairs, in a release. “It’s a massive private infrastructure project that facilitates interstate commerce and is the biggest project we’ll have in the state for several years.” 

Designing and permitting the bridge took nearly eight years to complete, and the railroad was challenged by winter weather, which shortened construction windows.

Work to remove the old bridge will continue through fall and winter, weather permitting, and full removal of the bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2027. 

— Nick Stewart