Construction Updates
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Construction Zone Reminders
- Follow posted speed limits in construction zones.
- Be aware of flaggers and other construction workers in the construction area.
- If you are following a pilot car, stay with the line, and do not stop or exit your vehicle in the project area.
Monday, May 13, 2024
Expect 15-Minute Delays, Flagging, and Pilot Cars
Current Conditions
- Users of the roadway can expect delays of 15 minutes and the use of pilot cars and flaggers.
- Traffic is being diverted on two gravel diversions (a temporary at-grade roadway next to the original road).
- Diversion 1 is approximately 3/4-mile north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and Highway 44. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- Diversion 2 is immediately south of the Pennington-Lawrence County Line. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
Coming Up
- Temporary fence installation will begin later this spring in the project area.
- Milling (removal of the existing pavement) will begin later in May, and users of the roadway can expect to be driving on loose dirt and gravel between S.D. Highway 44 and Pactola Dam through the summer.
- Complete road closures within the project area will begin on Monday, May 20, 2024, and conclude on Saturday, July 12, 2024.
Friday, May 3, 2024
Expect Delays, Flagging, and Traffic Diversions
Current Conditions
- Users of the roadway can expect delays of 15 minutes and the use of pilot cars and flaggers.
- Traffic is being diverted on two gravel diversions (a temporary at-grade roadway next to the original road).
- Diversion 1 is approximately 3/4-mile north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and Highway 44. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- Diversion 2 is immediately south of the Pennington-Lawrence County Line. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
Coming Up
- Temporary fence installation will begin later this spring in the project area.
- Milling (removal of the existing pavement) will begin later in May, and users of the roadway can expect to be driving on loose dirt and gravel between S.D. Highway 44 and Pactola Dam through the summer.
- Complete road closures within the project area will begin on Monday, May 20, 2024, and conclude on Saturday, July 12, 2024.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Expect Delays, Flagging, and Traffic Diversions
Current Conditions
- Users of the roadway can expect delays of 15 minutes and the use of pilot cars and flaggers.
- Traffic is being diverted on two gravel diversions (a temporary at-grade roadway next to the original road).
- Diversion 1 is approximately 3/4-mile north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and S.D. Highway 44. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- Diversion 2 is immediately south of the Pennington-Lawrence County Line. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- The contractor is installing a box culvert approximately 3/4-mile north of the intersection of Highway 385 and Highway 44. This box culvert will carry the natural drainage under the roadway.
Coming Up
- Traffic is being kept on existing pavement for as long as possible as construction progresses.
- Temporary fence installation will begin later this spring in the project area.
- Complete road closures within the project area begin next month.
Road Closures Beginning Monday, May 20, 2024
- The Pactola North Boat Ramp will not be accessible during weekdays from Monday, May 20, 2024 through Friday, June 7, 2024 (accessible on weekends and Memorial Day from the north). After Friday, June 7, 2024, the Pactola North Boat Ramp will only be accessible from the north. Access will be available to the Pactola North Boat Ramp from all directions after Friday, July 12, 2024.
- Access to the Pactola South Boat Ramp will not be impacted during these closures. Boaters can access the South Boat ramp via Highway 16/Highway 385 or Sheridan Lake Road/Highway 385.
- The posted detour will be S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16. Locals may find alternative routes, but the SDDOT recommends travelers exercise caution when using non-maintained roadways.
- Emergency services are aware of these closures and are closely collaborating to provide response coverage.
- Non-closed areas within the project limits (Pennington-Lawrence County Line to Highway 44) will be under construction during closures.
