Road Construction

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.

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.

More Info

• Construction activities, including blasting, are continuing in the U.S. Highway 385 construction area (Pactola Dam to Calumet Road) with the use of flaggers. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes on workdays (Monday-Friday and some Saturdays). Work generally occurs during daylight hours.
• The driving surface within the construction area is a combination of pavement, blotter (a hard, packed surface that resembles asphalt), and gravel. The following portions of Highway 385 are gravel: the segment from Wrinkle Valley Road to Pactola Dam and the segment from Sheridan Lake Road, extending 0.5 miles to the north.
• Beginning in May 2026, the contractor will begin placing grass seed in the areas adjacent to the newly constructed roadway.
• Throughout May and June 2026, the contractor will work with the Hill City Volunteer Fire Department to conduct scaling activities, which includes using water to remove loose rocks and debris from steep rock faces. This process minimizes future rock fall. Traffic will be managed with a pilot car with anticipated wait times up to 15 minutes.
• Throughout the summer, construction crews will be working Monday-Friday during daylight hours and on Saturdays as needed.
• The driving surface within the construction area will be fully blotted (a hard, packed surface that resembles asphalt) by the end of July 2026.
• Memorial Day: Construction will be paused beginning midday Friday, May 22, 2026, and will resume the morning of Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
• Independence Day: Construction activities will not take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
• Sturgis Rally: Construction activities will be paused from Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, and will resume on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
• 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

Intersection of U.S. Highway 16 and Promise Road: grading, asphalt concrete resurfacing, curb and gutter, storm sewer, lighting, curb and sidewalk. 

U.S. Highway 16 and U.S. Highway 16B Intersection: reconstruction with portland cement concrete surfacing and single point urban structure, median crossovers and traffic diversions.

Neck Yoke Road Intersection: reconstruction to a reduced conflict intersection with asphalt concrete surfacing, construct median crossovers. Construction will replace Spring Creek structures.