Construction Updates
Stay Updated
A free text-in service is being used to communicate any major traffic changes. To subscribe, simply text “US385” to 605-566-4041. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.
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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.
Current Conditions
- The contractor is currently milling (removing the existing pavement) and laying gravel surfacing on U.S. Highway 385 from just north of Silver City Road to the Pennington-Lawrence County line.
- 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 the Pennington-Lawrence County line.
- Traffic is being diverted onto two gravel diversions (temporary at-grade roadways next to the original road). Diversion 1 is immediately south of the Lawrence-Pennington County line, and Diversion 2 is located approximately 1 mile south of Lawrence-Pennington County line. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- The contractor is applying water to the gravel roadway to control dust as needed.
Current Conditions
- Construction has now resumed on U.S. Highway 385. Milling (removal of the existing pavement) north of Silver City Road begins on Monday, August 26, 2024.
- 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 the Pennington-Lawrence County Line.
- Traffic is being diverted onto two gravel diversions (temporary at-grade roadways next to the original road). Diversion 1 is immediately south of the Lawrence-Pennington County line, and Diversion 2 is located 1.3 miles south of Lawrence-Pennington County line. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- The contractor is applying water to the gravel roadway to control dust as needed.
Gravel Diversion in Effect beginning Monday, Aug. 19, 2024
Beginning Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, traffic will be diverted onto a 500-foot gravel diversion to begin work on a pedestrian underpass for the Centennial Trail. No major trail reroute will be in place. This diversion is located 2.8 miles north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 385 and S.D. Highway 44. The 12-foot width restriction will remain in place.
Free Text-In Service
For further information regarding this project, email Tim Wicks, SDDOT Project Manager. For updates on major traffic changes, subscribe to a free text-in service. To subscribe, simply text “US385” to 605-566-4041. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.
Current Conditions
- Most construction activities are paused to accommodate additional traffic from local events until Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. All lanes are open to unimpeded traffic, and the roadway is, at a minimum, 24-feet-wide with a speed limit of 45 mph. Although the road is unfinished, uneven lanes and shoulder drop-offs are smoothed out.
- The roadway from Pactola Dam to S.D. Highway 44 is now sealed and has a hard surface that will be in place until final surfacing is placed in 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 applying water to the gravel roadway to control dust as needed
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.
- 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.
