current litigation of the bismarck rail bridge

One of the largest railroad systems in the country, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), intends to dismantle the original Bismarck Rail Bridge. The final decision should come in early 2024. 

Why?

The Bismarck Rail Bridge has been used by the BNSF for over a century since its installation in the 1880s. However, it has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced in order for cargo to be moved efficiently across the Bismarck-Mandan area. 

Possible New Bridge

Despite the issue being currently undecided, construction has already started on a new bridge about 30 feet away from the original. Former state tourism director Jim Fuglie said, “It would be financially hard for BNSF  to change things at this point.” BNSF’s plan is estimated at $100 million with a four-year completion plan.

Local support

Friends of the Rail Bridge (FORB), a non-profit formed in 2018, was created to develop an alternative plan to the proposed demolition of the Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge. FORB’s ideas for the possible conservation of the bridge include constant refurbishing or even converting it to a green space or walking path. According to the group’s official site, Friends Of the Rail Bridge believes the bridge is a crucial part of Bismarck Mandan's “community history and identity.” 

Sophomore Regan Weis considers the Rail Bridge “the most picturesque feature” in Bismarck, and “one of the most scenic structures in the entire state.” Weis also claims it does a beautiful job of showcasing the remarkable “industrial expansion” of its time.

Fuglie said that the bridge is “a part of the Bismarck package and is often seen by those on the way to a popular destination, including Medora, Glacier, and Yellowstone National Park. Fuglie explained that, even though the bridge is “not exactly a tourist destination, it is a part of North Dakota history.” 

In order to preserve the existing bridge, a new bridge would have to be built at least a hundred yards north of the current site. Proponents of the new bridge argued there are additional expenses involved in choosing a new location and preserving the existing bridge.

Final decision

There is nothing fully decided, and we are waiting on the first hearing.