West Fargo planning commission forwards West 94 transportation study to City Commission
November 13, 2025 | West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota
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The West Fargo Planning & Zoning Commission voted Nov. 12 to forward a Metro COG‑led West 94 area transportation study to the City Commission for consideration, after hearing consultants describe interchange and overpass options, multimodal elements and funding challenges.
Consultant Mike Bittner of Fulton & Mink, who led the study, told commissioners the area south of Interstate 94 has “really become appealing because of the Red River diversion,” but added that “because of the Red River diversion, it's... almost impossible to access.” Using Metro COG’s travel‑demand model, the team estimated that — under the study’s density assumptions — the area could see as much as roughly 50% population growth by mid‑century.
Why it matters: The study lays out alternative access strategies and phasing scenarios meant to guide future growth and engineering work. Several options would involve multimillion‑dollar interchange or overpass projects; Bittner said total improvements across scenarios could exceed $400 million, and individual interchange projects could range from about $70–100 million depending on location and complexity.
What the study proposed: Consultants presented a “spine” roadway concept to organize new development and identified early improvements such as a Christiansen Drive extension that would include a bridge over the Cheyenne Diversion, added turn lanes and a trail connection to avoid routing traffic through Brooks Harbor. The team evaluated new interstate access at 13th Avenue and 15th Street — each shown as either an overpass or a full interchange — and reviewed the existing interchange at Main Avenue/26th Street as a possible access point despite complex geometry and a nearby railroad crossing.
On interchange versus overpass, Bittner said stakeholders seeking commercial development favored interchanges, while the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) preferred fewer access points and often favors overpasses or wider spacing; consultants noted NDDOT’s stated preference for roughly two‑mile spacing between new interstate access points. Bittner also said interchange projects are typically heavily dependent on federal funds, and funding availability is a major constraint.
Public engagement and phasing: The study team reported more than 100 stakeholders took part in engagement activities including a developer roundtable, stakeholder meetings, an open house and online surveys; overall support for improvement options ranged about 55–65% in the outreach. The consultants offered two phasing scenarios: one that begins with an interchange at Main/26th plus Christiansen Drive, and a second that prioritizes an interchange at 13th/15th; local stakeholders favored the 13th/15th alternative for its economic development potential.
Questions and uncertainties: Commissioners asked about the study area’s size and timing. Bittner said he would confirm exact acreage but estimated the study area to be about 2 to 2.5 square miles (roughly 1,280–1,600 acres); one commissioner cited a smaller figure during discussion but the consultant did not confirm it. Bittner said buildout scenarios could play out as early as 2050 or possibly 2060, depending on access and funding.
Commission action: After discussion, the commission moved and seconded to forward the study to the City Commission for adoption; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff told the commission the item will appear on the City Commission agenda on Monday the 17th for consideration.
Other business and next steps: Staff said upcoming Planning & Zoning agendas may be lighter as the city is largely built out, and noted upcoming work on zoning updates including the downtown mixed‑use (DMU) zoning district. The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote.
Quotes in context: “We also know that accessibility through Brooks Harbor isn't feasible,” Bittner said, explaining early access priorities. “This area provides a lot of opportunity for the city of West Fargo, but a tremendous amount of financial barriers to be able to overcome to unlock its full potential,” he added.
What’s next: The City Commission will consider the West 94 area transportation study at its next meeting; staff and the consultant recommended continued coordination with NDDOT, preservation of right‑of‑way and pursuit of grant funding as steps to advance any future projects.
Consultant Mike Bittner of Fulton & Mink, who led the study, told commissioners the area south of Interstate 94 has “really become appealing because of the Red River diversion,” but added that “because of the Red River diversion, it's... almost impossible to access.” Using Metro COG’s travel‑demand model, the team estimated that — under the study’s density assumptions — the area could see as much as roughly 50% population growth by mid‑century.
Why it matters: The study lays out alternative access strategies and phasing scenarios meant to guide future growth and engineering work. Several options would involve multimillion‑dollar interchange or overpass projects; Bittner said total improvements across scenarios could exceed $400 million, and individual interchange projects could range from about $70–100 million depending on location and complexity.
What the study proposed: Consultants presented a “spine” roadway concept to organize new development and identified early improvements such as a Christiansen Drive extension that would include a bridge over the Cheyenne Diversion, added turn lanes and a trail connection to avoid routing traffic through Brooks Harbor. The team evaluated new interstate access at 13th Avenue and 15th Street — each shown as either an overpass or a full interchange — and reviewed the existing interchange at Main Avenue/26th Street as a possible access point despite complex geometry and a nearby railroad crossing.
On interchange versus overpass, Bittner said stakeholders seeking commercial development favored interchanges, while the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) preferred fewer access points and often favors overpasses or wider spacing; consultants noted NDDOT’s stated preference for roughly two‑mile spacing between new interstate access points. Bittner also said interchange projects are typically heavily dependent on federal funds, and funding availability is a major constraint.
Public engagement and phasing: The study team reported more than 100 stakeholders took part in engagement activities including a developer roundtable, stakeholder meetings, an open house and online surveys; overall support for improvement options ranged about 55–65% in the outreach. The consultants offered two phasing scenarios: one that begins with an interchange at Main/26th plus Christiansen Drive, and a second that prioritizes an interchange at 13th/15th; local stakeholders favored the 13th/15th alternative for its economic development potential.
Questions and uncertainties: Commissioners asked about the study area’s size and timing. Bittner said he would confirm exact acreage but estimated the study area to be about 2 to 2.5 square miles (roughly 1,280–1,600 acres); one commissioner cited a smaller figure during discussion but the consultant did not confirm it. Bittner said buildout scenarios could play out as early as 2050 or possibly 2060, depending on access and funding.
Commission action: After discussion, the commission moved and seconded to forward the study to the City Commission for adoption; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff told the commission the item will appear on the City Commission agenda on Monday the 17th for consideration.
Other business and next steps: Staff said upcoming Planning & Zoning agendas may be lighter as the city is largely built out, and noted upcoming work on zoning updates including the downtown mixed‑use (DMU) zoning district. The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote.
Quotes in context: “We also know that accessibility through Brooks Harbor isn't feasible,” Bittner said, explaining early access priorities. “This area provides a lot of opportunity for the city of West Fargo, but a tremendous amount of financial barriers to be able to overcome to unlock its full potential,” he added.
What’s next: The City Commission will consider the West 94 area transportation study at its next meeting; staff and the consultant recommended continued coordination with NDDOT, preservation of right‑of‑way and pursuit of grant funding as steps to advance any future projects.
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