Contractors work on Reach 3 of the 22-mile southern embankment by placing articulated concrete blocks for armoring the weir structure against rising floodwater when the FM Area Diversion operates. (Photo: Metro Flood Diversion Authority)
FARGO (KFGO) – Construction crews have completed excavation of the 30-mile stormwater diversion channel for the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion, marking a major milestone for the regional flood protection project.
The massive earthmoving effort involved excavating 45 million cubic yards of material, enough to fill the Fargodome 21 times, according to the Metro Flood Diversion Authority.
While digging is complete, contractor ASN Constructors continues work along the channel corridor, installing security fencing and spreading topsoil and mulch. Project officials also reported that the final segment of Reach SE-3 on the 22-mile southern embankment reached its full height this month. Workers have begun placing topsoil and turf reinforcement matting on the earthen levee, which will hold back floodwaters during high-river events.
Crews also advanced work on the Sheyenne River Aqueduct, where the river flows over the diversion channel. Workers excavated the spillway approach channel, drove ice-retention pilings to prevent floating ice sheets from blocking the flume, and finished installing metal cladding around the vertical lift gate support structure before transitioning to flashing and trim work.
Mitigation efforts continued alongside primary construction. Crews worked on a protective ring levee around Clara Cemetery, one of eight cemeteries undergoing mitigation work across the project footprint.
The comprehensive flood defense system is being developed through a partnership between the Metro Flood Diversion Authority, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Red River Valley Alliance.
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