FARGO — Fargo will transform the 64th Avenue South overpass into an exit at Interstate 29, with a commitment to explore solutions for potential safety concerns that may arise from increased traffic in nearby neighborhoods.
The City Commission unanimously approved the interchange project on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The project is estimated to cost approximately $25 million. Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2028 and conclude by fall 2029, according to city documents.
The commission selected a half-clover design for the interchange, with the cloverleaf loops planned on the south side of the exit. The design features a stoplight-controlled intersection on the west side of the 64th Avenue bridge and a roundabout on the east side.
In addition, the commission voted to begin discussions for a potential exit at 76th Avenue South.
### Project Background and Funding
The 64th Avenue project has been in development for two decades, said City Engineer Tom Knakmuhs. Since 2014, the city has invested nearly $61.4 million toward converting the overpass into an interchange.
“Part of this is to really capture that investment in the infrastructure that we’ve improved,” Knakmuhs explained. The commission included the 64th Avenue exit in its long-range transportation plan in 2019.
The city applied for and was approved to receive $21.25 million in federal funds to assist with the project’s costs.
Once completed, the new interchange is expected to improve traffic congestion at the 52nd Avenue South exit, which currently experiences backups onto I-29, according to Knakmuhs.
### Resident Concerns
Some residents along 64th Avenue have opposed the project, advocating instead for an exit at 76th Avenue South. These residents noted that the city had previously promised that the overpass would not be converted into an exit.
Several homes along 64th Avenue, particularly east of the interstate, have driveways that connect directly to the avenue. Residents are concerned that transforming the overpass into an interchange will turn 64th Avenue into a busy thoroughfare, raising pedestrian and traffic safety issues among other concerns.
However, Knakmuhs pointed out that an exit at 76th Avenue would not alleviate problems at the 52nd Avenue exit. Building an interchange at 76th Avenue would also be significantly more expensive—estimated between $70 million and $100 million—because there is no existing infrastructure or bridge at that location.
Additionally, the federal funds allocated for the 64th Avenue exit cannot be transferred to another project. Moving the project to 76th Avenue would require starting over with design work and federal approvals.
### Support from Development Representatives
Several representatives from local development companies voiced their support for the 64th Avenue project during the meeting.
“Building the 64th Avenue interchange now allows Fargo to grow orderly and not leapfrog south toward the diversion,” said Nate Vollmuth, President of Goldmark Design and Development.
### Addressing Safety Concerns
Knakmuhs emphasized that the city will continue collaborating with residents to address their concerns whenever possible. City commissioners and staff have already met several times with neighborhood members to discuss potential solutions.
Rob Kost, a 64th Avenue resident, urged the city to prioritize neighborhood safety if the project moves forward. Speaking at the meeting, he and other residents thanked city leaders for engaging with the community and listening to their concerns.
“We’ve had very good, productive meetings,” Kost said. “I’m just asking for follow through if this is going to get approved.”
Following the discussion, the commission unanimously voted to direct city engineers to return within three months with proposals for traffic calming, speed reduction, and other safety improvements for 64th Avenue east of the interchange.
Commissioner Michelle Turnberg acknowledged the residents’ valid concerns and reassured the community that their voices will not be forgotten.
“For people who may be wondering why these residents are upset about this, imagine having your driveway enter onto 52nd Avenue,” she said. “That’s what these neighbors are worried about, and I would not want that at all.”
https://www.inforum.com/news/fargo/fargo-approves-64th-avenue-south-interchange-will-research-ways-to-address-safety-issues