BNSF to help fund Moorhead grade-crossing project

City officials broke ground last week on a three-year, $72.9 million grade separation project in Moorhead, Minnesota.

The long-awaited effort, which will include construction of an underpass, is the largest transportation project in the city's history, Moorhead officials said in a press release.

BNSF Railway Co. will contribute $5.7 million toward the project's cost. Other funding will come from the state ($48.3 million), the federal government ($5.5 million) and the city ($13.4 million).

The project, which calls for reconstructing and realigning the intersection at Main Avenue 21st Street, will help improve traffic safety, emergency response and efficiency, city officials said.

The intersection has posed a daily safety risk and has caused delays for residents and businesses for many years, they said.

A temporary track will enable BNSF to remain operational in the area during construction. Ames Construction is the primary contractor for the project.