Coast Guard releases final environmental analysis of BNSF's proposed North Dakota bridge project

The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced the availability of a final environmental impact statement (EIS) for BNSF Railway Co.'s proposed replacement of its bridge across the Missouri River between Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota.

The EIS evaluates the potential environmental effects of replacing the existing bridge or building a new bridge adjacent to the existing structure, such as implications to environmental control laws and impacts to floodplains, the Bismarck Water Reservoir and Missouri River Natural Area.

The 1,525-foot-long bridge rises 70 feet above the river. BNSF proposed to remove the existing 139-year-old structure, which is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, Coast Guard officials said in a Federal Register notice. Due to the bridge’s age and condition, there is a 25-mph speed restriction in place.

The final EIS identifies the preferred alternative as constructing a new bridge with 200-foot spans and piers 20 feet upstream, and removing the existing structure. The Coast Guard expects to issue a record of decision regarding the matter on Nov. 28.