FARGO, N.D. (MFDA) – The Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA) has shared new progress on the FM Area Diversion project, which is designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the Fargo-Moorhead region. The latest milestone includes the removal of an earthen plug, which has allowed the first two of 14 reaches of the stormwater diversion channel to become a functioning internal watershed. This marks a significant achievement as the channel’s downstream end, north of the metro area, will now naturally direct rainfall and runoff into the Red River, as initially planned. As the project continues, the full 30-mile stretch of the diversion channel will operate in this manner, with 14 river and drain inlets intercepting water along the way, ultimately improving flood protection for thousands of residents.

The successful removal of the earthen plug marks the beginning of a key phase for the project, and as the system comes online, water will be able to flow naturally along the new channel, easing pressure on the existing flood protection infrastructure. The completed stormwater diversion system will reduce the risk of devastating floods, allowing the region to thrive despite the challenges posed by the Red River’s unpredictable behavior. A detailed aerial update of the ongoing construction efforts is available in the latest drone video at https://youtu.be/bnrJ4Yq_q7Q.

Construction Highlights and Milestones

Crossings

‍Significant work on the crossings is making great progress. This month, construction crews have successfully driven portions of the 4 miles of piling required for the BNSF Hillsboro and County Road 81 crossings, located southeast of Argusville, North Dakota. These crossings are crucial for the project, as they will allow transportation and local infrastructure to remain unaffected by the new stormwater channel. In another part of the project, girders were installed at the 52nd Avenue West crossing, another key connection point for regional transportation.

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Maple River Aqueduct

‍The construction of the Maple River Aqueduct is advancing steadily, with several contractors involved in different aspects of the project. Notably, Parsons Electric began installing embedded conduits for the low-flow channel heating system that will regulate water flow during cold months. This system is designed to ensure that river flows remain consistent and that fish passage is maintained during freezing conditions. The heating feature is considered a groundbreaking technological advancement and is believed to be the only system of its kind globally. In addition, Meyer Contracting has been forming and placing concrete for the structure's wingwalls, and ASN Constructors has installed falsework, a temporary support structure, to facilitate future concrete placements for the walkway atop the south flume wall. The aqueduct is essential for maintaining flow in the Maple River, ensuring the channel remains operable during all seasons.

Stormwater Diversion Channel

‍As the project continues to take shape, ASN Constructors has been busy excavating more than 300,000 cubic yards of material in Reach 12, located near Horace, North Dakota. This work, combined with the removal of the earthen plug, is a critical step toward the completion of the diversion channel, which is expected to provide long-term protection against flooding for the Fargo-Moorhead region. The combined crossing for County Roads 4 and 31, now open, further supports the progress in this area and is helping pave the way for the project's next stages.

These advancements demonstrate the commitment of the MFDA and its contractors to meet the ambitious timeline of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project. As the region continues to grow, the diversion system will provide invaluable protection, ensuring that infrastructure is safeguarded from the region’s notorious flooding issues.

For ongoing updates, road closures, and to track the project’s progress, visit FMDiversion.gov.

About the Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA)

The MFDA is a permanent North Dakota political subdivision that works collaboratively with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the comprehensive Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion project. The MFDA's mission is to implement a flood diversion system that will reduce the risk of significant flood damage to the Fargo-Moorhead region. In partnership with the Red River Valley Alliance, the City of Fargo, City of Moorhead, Cass County, Clay County, and the Cass County Joint Water Resource District, the MFDA is helping to secure a safer, more resilient future for the area, benefiting thousands of residents, businesses, and infrastructure.