Diversion project reports major 2025 milestones as construction winds down for winter

Authority staff and contractors told the board that 2025 was a productive construction year and that work will transition to winter activities with selective ongoing work in areas that require cold‑weather techniques.

In the board’s year‑end video and subsequent staff updates, presenters noted that 13 bridges opened to traffic in 2025, work progressed on two aqueducts, and the Red River was rerouted through the new gated control structure (presenters described that structure as more than 90% complete). Staff cited large earthmoving totals, noting that roughly 38,100,000 cubic yards of excavation had been completed of an estimated 45,000,000 needed for the 30‑mile diversion channel.

Terry Williams gave the monthly construction update: the Red River structure closed the year at about 93% complete, reaches and crossings ranged from the mid‑20s to high‑80s percent complete depending on location, and some reaches were turned over to sponsors for operations and maintenance. Chris provided field observations that interstates and ramps have been reconnected, 38th Street reopened and County Road crossings are being finished; BNSF and ASN crews continue to work on rail crossings with openings dependent on weather.

Tom Fooks narrated drone footage showing levee embankment and roadway paving activities wrapping up for 2025, work on the Rush River inlet and Cheyenne River Aqueduct concrete placement using heaters to allow cold‑weather pours, and framing underway at the Authority Administration Building and Maintenance Building.

Justin reported on lands activity: about 21,000 acres of flowage easements have been closed with roughly 6,300 remaining, three eminent domain cases completed in Cass County, 10 pending offers and recent parcel closings; staff are developing a crop loss program and a post‑operation debris cleanup/restoration plan for private lands.

Staff said much work will pause for winter but that plug removals, riprap placement, and specific concrete pours continue where heaters and blankets permit. The board was told next year will be the last major construction push before transitioning many elements into operations and maintenance.