Fargo-Moorhead Bridge Complete Guide: Former Toll Bridge Now Toll-Free 2025
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Fargo-Moorhead Bridge Complete Guide
Official Name: Fargo-Moorhead Bridge (formerly Fargo-Moorhead Toll Bridge)
Location: Red River of the North between Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN
Connection: Fargo's 12th Avenue N to Moorhead's 15th Avenue N
Current Status: Toll-free since 2014 (formerly tolled $0.75)
Daily Traffic: Approximately 8,800 vehicles per day
Do I Need to Pay Tolls on Fargo-Moorhead Bridge? 2025 Update
No, you do not need to pay any tolls to cross the Fargo-Moorhead Bridge. This bridge has been completely toll-free since 2014 when ownership transferred from private Bridge Co. to the cities of Fargo and Moorhead.
Key Reality: The Fargo-Moorhead Bridge is a former toll bridge that eliminated tolls over a decade ago. While it was one of Minnesota's two toll bridges, it now operates as a regular municipal bridge with no payment required.
2025 Update: Bridge replacement studies underway with $1.5 million federal grant due to recurring flood closures. Current bridge frequently closes when Red River reaches 28-foot flood stage, most recently in spring 2023.
Bridge Status & Access Information
The Fargo-Moorhead Bridge operates as a toll-free municipal bridge jointly owned by the cities of Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota.
Current Bridge Information (2025)
| Feature | Current Status | Historical Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toll Status | ✅ Toll-Free | $0.75 toll (until 2014) | No payment required |
| Ownership | Public (Cities of Fargo & Moorhead) | Private (Bridge Co.) | Joint municipal ownership |
| Operational Status | ⚠️ Flood-prone | Regular operations | Closes at 28' flood stage |
| Future Plans | 🔄 Replacement Study | Permanent operation | $1.5M federal grant for study |
Bridge Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 855 feet |
| Span Configuration | 13 riveted plate-girder spans |
| Longest Span | Approximately 100 feet |
| Support Structure | 11 steel bents, 3 concrete piers, concrete abutments |
| Lanes | 2 lanes (one in each direction) |
| Engineering Features | Special accommodation for shifting Red River soils |
Bridge History & Toll Background
Construction & Early History:
- 1938: Bridge constructed as joint effort between Minnesota and North Dakota Highway Departments
- Original purpose: Provide vital connection between Fargo and Moorhead across Red River
- Alternative names: Center Avenue Bridge (Moorhead), Northern Pacific Avenue Bridge (Fargo)
- Engineering significance: Unique design to handle shifting Red River valley soils
Toll Period (1938-2014):
- Original charter: 25-year private operation charter
- 2013 extension: 5-year extension granted until June 1, 2018
- Toll rate: $0.75 for standard vehicles throughout toll period
- Private operator: Bridge Co. managed toll collection and maintenance
Ownership Transfer (2014):
- May 2014: City of Moorhead sued Bridge Co. and City of Fargo
- Legal ruling: Judge Frank Racek ruled in favor of Moorhead
- Outcome: Ownership transferred to both cities
- Toll elimination: Immediate end to toll collection upon transfer
Current Challenges & Future Plans
🌊 Flooding Issues:
- Frequent closures: Bridge closes when Red River reaches 28-foot flood stage
- Recent closure: Spring 2023 flooding forced temporary closure
- Recurring problem: "Every time there's a flood event the bridge floods" - Mayor Mahoney
- Impact: Disrupts daily traffic flow for 8,800 vehicles
🏗️ Bridge Replacement Study:
- 2022: $1.5 million federal grant awarded for replacement study
- Study purpose: Evaluate replacement options for current flood-prone bridge
- Future funding: Cities plan to pursue federal money for new bridge construction
- Timeline: Study ongoing, construction timeline not yet determined
🚧 Alternative Infrastructure:
- I-94 bridge: Major interstate crossing undergoing repair project 2025
- Other crossings: Multiple bridges connect Fargo-Moorhead metro area
- Traffic distribution: Alternative routes available during closures
How to Cross the Fargo-Moorhead Bridge
Crossing the Fargo-Moorhead Bridge is straightforward with no payment required and no special procedures.
Access Information:
- No tolls: Free passage for all vehicles
- No toll booths: No stopping required
- No transponders: No E-ZPass or other electronic payment systems
- 24/7 access: Bridge open around the clock (weather permitting)
Route Connections:
- North Dakota side: 12th Avenue N in Fargo
- Minnesota side: 15th Avenue N in Moorhead
- Local access: Connects residential and commercial areas
- Regional context: Part of Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area street network
Flood Closure Procedures:
- Closure trigger: Red River reaches 28-foot flood stage
- Advance notice: Cities provide closure warnings through media
- Alternative routes: I-94 bridge and other crossings remain open
- Reopening: Bridge reopens when flood waters recede
To check current bridge status and plan alternate routes if needed:
Fargo-Moorhead Metro Area Crossings
Available Red River Crossings:
- Interstate 94 Bridge: Major interstate crossing (under repair 2025)
- Interstate 29 Bridge: North-south interstate crossing
- Main Avenue Bridge: Downtown Fargo-Moorhead connection
- 7th Street Bridge: Another downtown area crossing
- Fargo-Moorhead Bridge: This bridge (formerly toll bridge)
- Veterans Boulevard Bridge: Northern metro area crossing
Toll Status of All Crossings:
- All toll-free: No tolls on any Fargo-Moorhead area bridges
- No planned tolls: No future toll implementation planned
- Public ownership: All bridges publicly owned and maintained
- Free flow traffic: No stopping required for any crossing
Traffic Distribution:
- Fargo-Moorhead Bridge: 8,800 vehicles per day
- I-94 Bridge: Highest traffic volume (interstate through traffic)
- Downtown bridges: Heavy local and commuter traffic
- Alternative routing: Multiple options during flood closures
Regional Context & Significance
Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area:
- Population: Fargo (~125,000), Moorhead (~42,000)
- Economic integration: Twin cities functioning as single metropolitan area
- Cross-border commerce: Significant daily commuting and business traffic
- Educational connections: Multiple universities and colleges in both cities
Red River Valley Characteristics:
- Flood-prone region: Regular spring flooding from snowmelt
- Flat terrain: Slow-moving river with wide flood plains
- Agricultural economy: Rich farming region with seasonal traffic patterns
- Engineering challenges: Shifting soils require specialized bridge design
Historical Significance:
- 1938 construction: Depression-era public works project
- Joint state effort: Cooperation between Minnesota and North Dakota
- Toll bridge era: Example of private bridge operation model
- Public ownership transition: Return to municipal control in 2014
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to cross the Fargo-Moorhead Bridge?
No, the Fargo-Moorhead Bridge has been completely toll-free since 2014. There are no tolls, no toll booths, and no stopping required. You can cross freely at any time.
When did the bridge stop charging tolls?
The bridge became toll-free in 2014 when ownership transferred from the private Bridge Co. to the cities of Fargo and Moorhead following a legal ruling. The toll was $0.75 during the private operation period.
Why does the bridge close during floods?
The bridge closes when the Red River reaches 28-foot flood stage for safety reasons. The low-lying bridge design makes it vulnerable to flooding. This occurred most recently in spring 2023.
What alternatives exist when the bridge is closed?
Several other bridges connect Fargo and Moorhead, including the I-94 bridge, Main Avenue Bridge, and Veterans Boulevard Bridge. These alternatives remain open during flood events.
Will the bridge be replaced?
A replacement study is underway with $1.5 million in federal funding. The cities are exploring options for a new bridge that would be less vulnerable to flooding, but no construction timeline has been announced.
Fargo-Moorhead Bridge vs. Other Regional Crossings
| Bridge | Location | Current Status | Historical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo-Moorhead Bridge | Fargo, ND - Moorhead, MN | Toll-free | Former toll bridge ($0.75) |
| International Falls Bridge | International Falls, MN - Fort Frances, ON | $9.00 USD toll | Active toll bridge |
| I-94 Fargo-Moorhead | Fargo, ND - Moorhead, MN | Toll-free | Interstate highway bridge |
| Most Red River Crossings | ND-MN border | Toll-free | Public ownership |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Minnesota Toll - Complete Minnesota toll information
- International Falls Bridge - Minnesota's active toll bridge
- Minnesota Express Lanes - Twin Cities tolled express lanes
- North Dakota Toll - North Dakota toll information
- Former Toll Bridges - Other bridges that eliminated tolls
Official Resources:
- City of Fargo: fargond.gov
- City of Moorhead: moorheadmn.gov
- North Dakota Department of Transportation: dot.nd.gov
- Minnesota Department of Transportation: dot.state.mn.us
Regional Information:
- Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau: fargomoorhead.org
- Red River Valley: Weather and flood information
- Metro Council of Governments: fmmetrocog.org
- North Dakota Tourism: ndtourism.com
- Minnesota Tourism: exploreminnesota.com
Real-Time Information:
- Red River flood levels: Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
- Bridge closure notifications: Local media and city websites
- Weather conditions: Weather.gov
- Road conditions: 511nd.gov (North Dakota), 511mn.org (Minnesota)
