Bismarck Closes Riverfront Trail for Bridge Demolition

The trail section beneath the old BNSF railroad bridge will remain closed throughout the winter season.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel bridge span over a river, representing infrastructure project site closure. — Bismarck Parks and Recreation closed a section of the riverfront trail near the Missouri River to accommodate the BNSF bridge demolition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support closing public trails for extended periods to ensure safety during local construction projects?

Bismarck Parks and Recreation officials have closed a section of the riverfront trail located on BNSF property. The closure is necessary to protect public safety while crews work to dismantle the old railroad bridge over the Missouri River.

Why it matters

The closure is required to facilitate the demolition of the bridge structure before winter ice makes conditions on the Missouri River dangerous. The project ensures the safe removal of spans and temporary supports from the site.

BNSF crews are operating on a 24-hour schedule, six days a week, to dismantle the bridge structure. This rapid pace is intended to complete the removal of center and eastern spans before the onset of winter ice.

The players

BNSF

BNSF is a major North American freight railroad company that manages the bridge demolition project.

Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department

This department oversees the maintenance and public access of trails located within city limits.

Burleigh County

Burleigh County serves as the administrative body that receives updates on infrastructure projects affecting local land.

The details

Demolition work involves the systematic removal of the bridge center span, the eastern span, and temporary supports. The Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department continues to manage the trail area while coordinating with BNSF during the construction process.

Burleigh County commissioners received a project update on Monday night, October 19, 2026.
Current demolition work is scheduled to continue through Thanksgiving 2026.
The riverfront trail closure is expected to last throughout the winter 2026-2027 season.

Market Landscape

The demolition of aging rail infrastructure is part of a broader push to modernize transport networks and eliminate safety risks. This project reflects a shift toward reclaiming public land that has historically been constrained by heavy industrial use.

Local residents and trail users must avoid the closed section beneath the railroad bridge to ensure their physical safety during demolition. Alternative routes should be planned, as the area will remain inaccessible through the winter months.

The takeaway

The project serves as a reminder that major industrial demolition requires strict public cordons for safety. Residents should prepare for ongoing trail disruptions in the riverfront area until work crews successfully clear the site.

What happens next

BNSF will provide a formal estimate for when the riverfront trail will reopen based on construction progress made during the fall and early winter months.