Moorhead celebrates 11th Street underpass project

MOORHEAD — The city of Moorhead is nearing the end of a construction project, first conceptualized nearly a half century ago. The 11th Street underpass is not yet open to traffic, but some said the project represents more than just a reconstructed road, but a chance to save more lives. The most common remark made on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7, concerning the underpass was — no longer does an excuse about getting caught behind a train work for explaining why you were late. Most important, that's also the case for first responders. "This is a dream. It represents that a community never gives up," said Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson. Carlson said the final project cost came out to $171.6 million, constructed over three years, with more than $26 million coming from the federal government. Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of construction ending soon on the 11th Street Underpass on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026,