Eastbound traffic on Interstate 94 through Fargo was disrupted Saturday afternoon when a semi-trailer carrying bison remains lost its load in a construction zone, blocking the only open eastbound lane and forcing multiple traffic stops while crews cleared the highway.
Where and when it happened
The North Dakota Highway Patrol reported troopers responded at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday to a debris spill on eastbound I‑94 between Veterans Boulevard and 45th Street. The incident occurred inside an active construction area, where traffic lanes are narrowed and work zones are in place.
A witness account relayed to law enforcement indicated the semi, which was pulling an open trailer, braked suddenly for stopped traffic. The sudden braking caused roughly 12 to 15 bison carcasses and other animal remains to fall from the trailer and spread across the lane, according to the state patrol. With the lane completely blocked, traffic was stopped multiple times as emergency and road crews cleared the debris.
Response and cleanup
Multiple agencies responded to the scene. Crews removed remains from the pavement and performed a washdown of the roadway to restore safe driving conditions. On Sunday afternoon, the state patrol reported the truck that was hauling the remains had been located.
- Time reported: ~2:30 p.m., Saturday
- Location: Eastbound I‑94, between Veterans Boulevard and 45th Street, Fargo
- Debris: Estimated 12–15 bison carcasses and animal remains
- Agencies assisting: North Dakota Department of Transportation, West Fargo Fire Department, North Dakota Highway Patrol
The North Dakota State Patrol publicly expressed appreciation for assistance from the North Dakota Department of Transportation and the West Fargo Fire Department in clearing the roadway safely.
Local implications
Construction-zone incidents like this can have outsized effects on traffic flow because lanes are limited and alternate routes may be constrained. Motorists traveling through Fargo on I‑94 should continue to plan for possible delays when work zones are active, and allow extra time or consider alternate routes when possible.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday (reported at ~2:30 p.m.) |
| Location | I‑94 eastbound between Veterans Blvd and 45th St |
| Debris | Approximately 12–15 bison carcasses |
| Agencies | ND Highway Patrol, NDDOT, West Fargo Fire Department |
State patrol investigators handled the scene and the subsequent follow-up that led to locating the truck the next day. Drivers are reminded to maintain safe following distances, particularly in work zones where stopped traffic is more likely.
