Since 2017, Ames has played a high-profile role in the Fargo-Moorhead region on seven major projects. These projects include the historic Fargo-Moorhead (FM) Area Flood Diversion project in North Dakota, a massive and unprecedented effort to provide permanent flood control to the region by diverting floodwaters around the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. Additional Ames projects in the region include building a new alignment and interstate crossing in southern Fargo, system improvements of the interstate system, and two new grade-separated interchanges in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Ames self-performs the majority of each project with a range of crews doing structures, grading, and pipe work. At one point in 2022, Ames had more than 18 crews working in the area. Each project also includes subcontractors performing rebar installation, steel erection, trucking, electrical, painting and coating, and various supporting service scopes.
With seven different jobsites, we consistently talk about this area as a “mini-region” rather than a series of individual projects. Through communication and planning, we coordinate the work by crews rather than by project.
It’s probably not a surprise that the extreme seasons of North Dakota provide some of the biggest challenges. Winter conditions last for nearly 6.5 months of the year, and high winds are common in the other 5.5 months. Our dedicated and smart team members work through these conditions. (Soup helps!)
For our work on the FM Area Diversion project, Ames and our client, the United States Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District, were honored with the Dan W. Renfro Partnering Award from the Mississippi Valley Associated General Contractors. This recognition is a testament to everyone who is building these projects and the approach they bring with them to work every day.