Bismarck Riverfront Trail Closes for Winter Demolition

The trail beneath the BNSF railroad bridge remains closed through winter as crews accelerate demolition work.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Construction

A weathered steel railroad bridge span stretching across a wide, icy river under a cloudy, cold winter sky. — Bismarck officials have closed a section of the riverfront trail beneath the old railroad bridge as crews work to remove bridge spans. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bismarck officials have closed a section of the riverfront trail beneath the old BNSF railroad bridge to accommodate demolition work. The closure is expected to last throughout the winter season to ensure public safety as crews remove the bridge spans.

Why it matters

The closure limits access to a key corridor used by local operators and residents, as demolition teams work around the clock to finish before the Missouri River freezes.

Crews are maintaining a 6-day-a-week work schedule to complete the removal of bridge spans and temporary supports. The closure duration is set through the 2026-2027 winter season, with a reopening date still to be determined by BNSF.

The players

BNSF

A major North American freight railroad operator managing the demolition of its bridge property.

Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department

The local agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of the affected riverfront trail.

Burleigh County commissioners

The governing body receiving updates on regional infrastructure and public safety impacts.

The details

Demolition of the BNSF railroad bridge involves the sequential removal of the center span followed by the eastern span and temporary supports. Crews work on a 24-hour cycle from Monday through Saturday to accelerate the project timeline. The Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department oversees trail usage on the property, but safety requirements for the bridge site necessitate a full pedestrian shutdown.

October 19, 2026: Burleigh County commissioners received a BNSF project update.
Through Thanksgiving 2026: Current heavy demolition work schedule.
Winter 2026-2027: Planned duration for the riverfront trail closure.

Market Landscape

This project follows established safety protocols for decommissioning rail assets over major waterways. It aligns with regional infrastructure management precedents for maintaining public access corridors during industrial demolition.

Operators in the vicinity should anticipate restricted pedestrian access to the riverfront through the winter months. Future site accessibility will be determined by BNSF based on progress made in late fall.

The takeaway

Operators should monitor BNSF progress reports to anticipate when the trail might reopen in the spring. Businesses relying on local traffic near the riverfront should adjust logistics and expectations for site accessibility through the 2026-2027 winter season.