Black Hills Bottlenecks: Construction update for the week of June 8

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Summer roadwork season is underway across South Dakota, with construction projects, highway maintenance, utility work and safety campaigns affecting travelers in several parts of the state. Here’s a look at the latest updates motorists should know for the week ahead, before heading out on the roads.

Ditch work begins June 8 on SD Highway 20 west of Reva

A road construction project is scheduled to begin Monday, June 8, on South Dakota Highway 20 west of Reva.

According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, crews will perform miscellaneous ditch work on SD Highway 20 from approximately 1.75 miles west to 1 mile west of the junction with Highway 79.

Construction activities will take place weekdays between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. MDT and are expected to continue through June 26. The project is scheduled to conclude at 4 p.m. MDT on Friday, June 26.

Motorists traveling through the area are encouraged to use caution and be alert for construction workers and equipment operating near the roadway.

Drivers with questions about the project can contact their local South Dakota Department of Transportation area office for additional information.

Blotter operations begin June 8 on U.S. Highway 385 near Pactola Dam

Road work continues on U.S. Highway 385 between Pactola Dam and Calumet Road.

Beginning June 8, contractors will start blotter operations, a process that involves packing and hardening the road surface. The work is expected to continue through July.

Motorists should use caution in the work zone and be aware of loose gravel and reduced speeds during the construction period.

Black Hills Energy to remove powerline overnight along Fifth Street in Rapid City

Black Hills Energy will remove an overhead power line in downtown Rapid City later this week, with work scheduled overnight to minimize traffic disruptions.

The decommissioning is set to begin around 9 p.m. Wednesday along Fifth Street, stretching from the alley south of Kansas City Street to the alley north of Main Street.

Officials say the nighttime schedule is intended to reduce impacts in the busy downtown area and provide a safer work environment. One lane of Fifth Street will be closed during the project, and drivers are asked to use caution while traveling through the area.

The work is expected to be completed in a single night. For questions or more information, the public can contact Black Hills Energy at 605-721-2642.

SDDOT outlines summer timeline for mowing highway ditches across the state

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is reminding landowners that highway ditches can’t be mowed until specific dates each summer. In parts of western South Dakota, mowing can begin June 15, while areas east of the Missouri River must wait until July 10. All mowing must be finished by Sept. 1 unless an extension is approved.

Landowners next to state highways get first priority to mow the adjoining ditches. Anyone else must have permission from the property owner, and a permit is required to mow along Interstate highways.

The state may mow some areas earlier to control weeds and improve safety. For more information, contact a local SDDOT office or visit the SDDOT website.

Officials encourage safe towing practices statewide during Trailer Safety Week

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to prioritize safe towing practices during Trailer Safety Week, June 7-13.

The annual awareness campaign highlights the importance of trailer safety and aims to educate the public on proper trailer maintenance and use. The initiative also seeks to strengthen partnerships among trailer dealers, manufacturers and consumers to promote safer roadways.

State officials said increased awareness and proper trailer maintenance can help prevent crashes and improve safety for all motorists traveling South Dakota highways.

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