Temporary DeMers Avenue bypass opened near campus

The North Dakota Department of Transportation has informed the University that construction crews expect to close DeMers Avenue at the 42nd Street intersection near campus as early as Thursday, July 16.

It is the latest step in a long-term construction project redeveloping the roadway and nearby rail crossing to create an underpass for 42nd Street and two new bridges, one for DeMers Avenue and another for the BNSF Railway.

The closure of DeMers Avenue will prompt the opening of temporary bypass roads that will redirect traffic off DeMers Avenue to an intersection at South 42nd Street — allowing traffic to continue east-to-west or turn south.

The Department of Transportation also noted that a shared-use pedestrian path will run along the temporary bypasses to maintain east-west pedestrian flow along DeMers Avenue and provide access to South 42nd Street. North-south pedestrian access will be detoured east to Columbia Road.

The University community is advised to follow all posted signs, barriers and designated detour routes.

For your safety, do not attempt to walk, drive or otherwise cut through the construction site. It is an active construction zone with hazardous conditions, heavy equipment and limited visibility. Anyone found inside the restricted area may be cited for trespassing.

Thank you for helping keep the UND community and construction crews safe.