The rising flood waters in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks are resulting in bridge closures that will result in traffic delays. The Point Bridge and the Sorlie Bridge on Demers Avenue are already closed.
The end result of these closures is that all traffic between Grand Forks and East Grand Forks must us the Kennedy Bridge on Gateway Drive/U.S. Highway 2. As during past flood events this will likely cause traffic delays on Gateway Drive/U.S. Highway 2, especially at the intersection of U. S. Hwy. 2 and MN Hwy. 220 North. This area can get very congested at the peak traffic times during the morning and evening rush hours. It is also likely that the Louis Murray Bridge that connects the North End and the Point Areas of East Grand Forks will need to close early this week. Should this occur access between these areas can be made by way of the Mallory Bridge off of U.S. Highway 2 at County Road 58/MN Highway 220 South. Point Area residents who commute to North Dakota may wish to make their commute via the new Thompson Bridge which is expected to remain dry throughout this flood event. Everyone who needs to travel between Grand Forks and East Grand Forks should anticipate traffic delays and plan their travel and departure times accordingly. A variety of government agencies will be working to try to limit traffic delays but the cooperation and patience of the driving public can help to minimize and problems.