Keeping some of the most scenic roadways in America requires a little maintenance from time to time. Before you hit the road in South Dakota, check here to find helpful resources and learn about major construction projects that may affect your travel.
Traveler Resources
South Dakota 511
Up-to-date resource for road closures due to construction, inclement weather and more. Live webcams allow you to check traffic and road conditions throughout the state.
South Dakota Department of Transportation
The SDDOT Statewide Construction Project Information page provides a regional overview of current and upcoming projects to plan ahead for.
Construction Projects
U.S. HIGHWAY 385
Region: Western South Dakota (Black Hills & Badlands)
Project Dates: Spring 2024-Fall 2026
Website: US-385.com
SDDOT is reconstructing a 15-mile portion of U.S. Highway 385 between the Pennington-Lawrence county line and the south end of Sheridan Lake. Once completed, this section will feature new surfacing, additional turn lanes to improve traffic flow, and wider, improved road curves to meet current design and safety standards.
Portions of U.S. Highway 385 will be completely closed at times in consideration of traveler safety. Drivers can expect pilot car lines and wait times, loose gravel and road surfaces, rock blasting, large construction equipment, narrowed lanes and detours that may add an extra 30-60 minutes to commutes.
SDDOT offers a free text service to communicate any major traffic changes. To subscribe, simply text “US385” to 605-566-4041. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.
Phase 2 (Spring 2025-Fall 2026)
Construction will extend from the south end of Pactola Dam to south of Sheridan Lake with the following planned closure:
- Closure E — Pactola Dam to Custer Gulch Road: Oct. 20, 2025-April 17, 2026. Note: Local access to Victoria Lake Road will be maintained.
Detours
Detours for Phase 2 road closures will be S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16, as shown in yellow below:
More Info
- Closure E (Pactola Dam to Taylor Ranch Road) began on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, and ends on Friday, March 6, 2026.
- Outside of the closure area, construction crews continue to work on the roadway.
- The intersection of Custer Gulch Road and U.S. Highway 385 has been temporarily moved 300 feet to the north. A temporary diversion is in place while the contactor continues work on a box culvert in this area.
- In preparation of winter weather, the contractor has placed road markers and reflective delineators along the roadway between Sheridan Lake Road and Calumet Road.
- Roadway grading is taking place between Sheridan Lake Road and McCurdy Gulch Road.
- Within the closure area, the contractor is currently conducting planned rock blasts, excavating and replacing culverts, and grading the roadway.
- Throughout the winter, the roadway surfacing within the construction area will be a combination of pavement, blotter (hard, packed surface that resembles asphalt), and gravel. The surface of Highway 385 from Wrinkle Valley Road to 1/2-mile from South Sanders Ranch Road and from Sheridan Lake Road to 1/2-mile to the north will be gravel.
- A free text-in service is being used to communicate major traffic changes. To subscribe, simply text “US385” to 605-566-4041. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.
U.S. Highway 16 Corridor
Region: Western South Dakota (Black Hills & Badlands)
Project Dates: 2025-2032
Project Website: Dot.sd.gov
