Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Why is the bridge being considered for demolition?
Burlington Northern Santa Fe is in the process of evaluating a large number of their older through-truss bridges across the country. Many of these bridges are being considered for significant renovation or for replacement, and the Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge is one of them.
Who owns the bridge?
Friends of the Rail Bridge has done significant legal research indicating that the bridge belongs to the state of North Dakota. Read more about that here.
BNSF needs a federal permit in order to construct a new bridge. The permitting process is administered by the US Coast Guard, and must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.
The 1883 Rail Bridge is a National Register of Historic Places eligible structure. As such, the Section 106 Historical Review Process is triggered. This is a process that encourages, but does not mandate, preservation of historic properties. It is necessary to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects that this project may have on the bridge. Demolition of the bridge is clearly an adverse effect.
What is BNSF’s proposal?
BNSF has applied for to the U.S. Coast Guard for a permit to demolish the historic bridge and replace it with a modern, unadorned, concrete bridge.
Environmental impacts of the proposed action, disclosed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement include:
Closure of the Missouri River at the construction zone to river traffic for an entire season
Permanent changes to recreation trails near the bridge
Displacement of residences south of the bridge
Loss of 13.9 acres of trees
Light pollution from navigation lights on the new bridge
Impacts to traffic and neighborhoods during 3½ years of construction
Vibration, noise, and dust from construction
“[L]ong-term substantial, adverse impacts to sensitive viewers due to removal of Bridge 196.6.”
Is the bridge safe?
The current bridge is structurally sound and not in danger of failing.
Over time, BNSF has increased the size and weight of cargo carried by their trains. The current bridge was not designed for the loads of the modern era, although they are within safe tolerances. Thus, the statement that the bridge is "near the end of its useful life" does not indicate a decrease in the safety or integrity of the bridge, but rather an increase in BNSF's criteria for what a useful bridge must be able to do.
Why is the US Coast Guard issuing the federal permit?
The US Coast Guard is the governing authority in charge of navigable waterways. It is therefore the lead federal agency in charge of reviewing and issuing permits for construction projects that affect that waterway - in this case our beloved Missouri River.
What role does Friends of the Rail Bridge have to play in this process?
Throughout the permitting process, Friends of the Rail Bridge has represented the interest of thousands in the community who have voiced support of the preservation of the bridge, and we have demonstrated the feasibility of converting the bridge into a pedestrian walkway. As an invited signatory to the Programmatic Agreement under the Section 106 process, we sought a public entity with which to form a Public Private Partnership to help us preserve this beautiful and iconic historic structure. Though we didn’t meet the steep deadlines outlined in the Programmatic Agreement, we continue to consult on the permitting process, and have recently raised legal questions regarding the ownership of the bridge.
How can I help?
Now is a critical time for our fundraising efforts. Creating a legal and communication plan requires resources. We will rely on professional services to continue the mission to preserve and repurpose the rail bridge. Your support and donation will help.
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