Friends of the Rail Bridge (FORB) is a local non-profit organization formed in 2018 to advocate, promote, and develop a preservation alternative to the demolition of the Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge (Rail Bridge) proposed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF).

Cities are defined by their landmarks. They provide both an identity and a sense of history to a community. The Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge is a cultural landmark of both architectural and historical significance. Friends of the Rail Bridge (FORB) is dedicated to the preservation of the bridge and to repurposing the bridge as a pedestrian and bicycle pathway. We have persevered since 2017 to preserve this incredible landmark. Bismarck and Mandan both have a rich network of trails adjacent to the Missouri River. The conversion of the bridge to a pedestrian pathway would provide an interconnection between these trail systems that would be a recreational staple of these communities for generations to come. 

The rail bridge stands as a monumental engineering achievement as well as a sobering reminder of our contentious past. If preserved with interpretive signage, the bridge will serve as highlight of Bismarck offering a space for recreation, education, and reflection.

The historic rail bridge’s architecture has become an icon of the region. Imagery of the bridge has widespread use in North Dakota, and its distinct appearance can be found in regional media including logos, banners and commercials.