BNSF Railway is accelerating the demolition of the historic 1883 Bismarck-Mandan rail bridge, with plans for crews to begin working double shifts next week. This expedited schedule aims to hasten the removal of the long-standing railway structure that spans the Missouri River, linking Bismarck and Mandan. BNSF has stated its expectation that the complete removal of the historic bridge will conclude by mid-2027.
The decision to intensify demolition efforts follows the recent operational launch of the new $100 million BNSF bridge over the Missouri River. The first trains successfully crossed this new bridge on Wednesday, signaling a significant transition for rail traffic in the area. With the new bridge now in service, crews have promptly initiated the dismantling process of the older, historic structure.
Evidence of the ongoing demolition was apparent earlier this fall. Crews were actively involved in removing a portion of the center truss from the historic bridge. As of Tuesday, Oct. 6, a segment of this central truss of the 1883 Bismarck-Mandan railway bridge had already been cut out, marking concrete progress in the deconstruction project. This bridge holds historical significance, predating North Dakota's statehood and serving as a vital connection for over a century.
In a related development concerning local pathways, workers were seen removing trees within a closed section of the walking path along River Road. This activity was noted on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The portion of the path where these workers were operating was specifically designated as closed, indicating a localized impact on pedestrian access due to ongoing work or related operations. The presence of crews engaged in tree removal suggests preparatory or maintenance work adjacent to the river corridor.
The historic rail bridge, a familiar sight on the Bismarck-Mandan horizon, is undergoing systematic deconstruction. BNSF Railway's commitment to accelerating the project, as indicated by the upcoming double shifts, aims to meet the anticipated mid-2027 completion target for its removal. The continuous work, including the cutting of the center truss and the subsequent operations, represents a substantial transformation of the Missouri River crossing, with the newly opened $100 million bridge now fully supporting BNSF's rail operations in the region.
