Diversion reaches connected, Rush River cut over; bridges and crossings advancing

Staff reported multiple near‑term construction milestones that move the diversion project toward operational connectivity in several northern reaches. Paul, standing in for the construction lead, said interim completion has been reached on several segments and that "the Rush River has been cut over into the diversion channel," meaning water in that corridor can flow down the diversion to the Red River.

Details from the field: Paul said Channel Reaches 3 and 4 have reached a functional stage and that the Rush River cutover occurred "as of yesterday." He added the project team expects work on bridge structures (including concrete placement on a KO crossing span) to continue as weather permits and reported that BNSF crews are installing rail and ballast on new mainline approaches. Paul noted a planned final cutover of the BNSF line around mid‑March and an anticipated County Road 22 opening in mid‑February that will improve access north of I‑94.

Video confirmation: A project video presented by Tom Fooks, Senior Construction Manager, showed completed excavation in Reaches 2–4 in places, assembled vertical lift gate towers on the Maple River Aqueduct, and active concrete work and excavation on the aqueduct approaches. Fooks summarized that connected channel reaches mean runoff and rainfall in those areas "can now be expected to pass down the stormwater diversion channel to its outlet into the Red River."

Outlook: Staff said ongoing work in Reaches 8–9 will proceed where ASN Constructors and BNSF are coordinating around I‑94; weather will continue to affect schedule for final tasks such as bridge finishing and approach work.