Moorhead opens $171 million 11th Street underpass, easing traffic and property tax burdens

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KFGO) Moorhead officially celebrated the completion of the $171 million 11th Street underpass Wednesday, capping off the largest transportation project in the city s history with promises of smoother commutes and property tax relief for local homeowners. The new grade separation is designed to eliminate more than 70 train blockages each day, removing a major bottleneck for drivers and emergency responders. Located near the Moorhead Fire Department headquarters, the Clay County Sheriff s Office, and the police department, the underpass creates a direct route to the city s south side without delays from passing trains. Beyond traffic flow, state lawmakers pointed to significant financial savings for residents. State Sen. Rob Kupec, DFL-Moorhead, said the Minnesota Legislature stepped in during the 2023 session to cover a $10 million funding shortfall through state bonding, preventing the city from levying special assessments on nearby property owners. That means peopl