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 385Region: 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 1 (Spring 2024-Winter 2025)
As of Friday, July 12, 2024, all Phase 1 closures are complete. U.S. Highway 385 is open to north-south traffic within the construction area.
OTHER UPDATES
- The Centennial Trail underpass near Pactola Dam is complete, and the permanent trail re-route is under construction.
- Milling (removal of the existing pavement) on Highway 385 from S.D. Highway 44 to 1/2-mile north of Silver City Road is complete.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
- The speed limit has been reduced through the construction area.
- Users of the roadway can expect delays of approximately 15 minutes and the use of flaggers from Pactola Dam to 1/2-mile north of Silver City Road.
- Phase 1 construction area (Pennington-Lawrence County line to the north end of Pactola Dam) will be a loose gravel surface until surfacing is completed in late 2025.
- Traffic is being diverted on one gravel diversion (a temporary at-grade roadway next to the original road) immediately south of the Pennington-Lawrence County Line. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- The contractor is now working Saturdays until Phase 1 construction is completed.
COMING UP
- The box culvert near the Pennington-Lawrence County Line is nearing completion, and Diversion 2 is expected to be removed in late August.
- From Wednesday, July 31, 2024, to Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, most construction activities will be paused to accommodate additional traffic from local events. All lanes will be open to unimpeded traffic, and the roadway will be at a minimum 24 feet wide with four inches of gravel surface. Although the road will be unfinished, uneven lanes and shoulder drop-offs will be smoothed out.
- Milling (removal of the existing pavement) on U.S. Highway 385 from 1/2-mile north of Silver City Road to the Pennington-Lawrence County line is expected to begin in mid-August.
Phase 2 (Spring 2025-Fall 2026)
Phase 2 construction will extend from the south end of Pactola Dam to south of Sheridan Lake with the following planned closures:
Closure C — Sheridan Lake Road to Be Still Road: April 28-June 13, 2025.
Closure D — Be Still Road to Calumet Road: Aug. 12-Oct. 17, 2025. Note: Local access to Be Still Road will be maintained.
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 1 and Phase 2 road closures will be S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16, as shown in yellow below:
More Info
- Pactola Reservoir South Boat Ramp will not be impacted by construction.
- Centennial Trail, which crosses Highway 385 near the north end of Pactola Reservoir, will be converted to an underpass during the project. Beginning June 3, 2024, hikers will not be able to cross at Highway 385 until the underpass is complete (estimated as July 26, 2024). Signage will be posted at trailheads to alert hikers of closures.
- Veteran’s Point Trail will be accessible for the duration of construction. It can be accessed from the south during Phase 1 and from the north during Phase 2.
- Pactola Visitor Center: During Highway 385 closures from the south end of Pactola Dam to the south entrance of Custer Gulch Road, the Pactola Visitor Center will be open seasonally and closed for the winter.
- Sheridan Lake: During Highway 385 closures between Sheridan Lake Road and Calumet Road, Sheridan Lake may be accessed from the north via Sheridan Lake Road or from the south via Calumet Road.
Region: Southeast
Project Dates: Early 2022-June 2024
Project Website: 41STDDI.com
This project will add greater capacity, efficiency and safety to the heavily traveled 41st Street through the construction of a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). All major construction work for the 2023 season has been completed. Throughout the winter, 41st Street will retain its standard intersections and traffic flow, with two through-lanes across the bridge in both directions. Isolated lane closures may occur during this time.
The final phase of construction will take place April-June 2024, and will include completing the diverging diamond configuration, light restoration work and cleanup.
