SD’s longest bridge gets $65M for replacement

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota’s longest bridge has received $65 million in federal funding for a replacement project scheduled to begin later this year.

The Federal Highway Administration awarded the South Dakota Department of Transportation a $65 million grant through the Competitive Highway Bridge Program for the S.D. Highway 44 Platte‑Winner Bridge replacement project

SDDOT Director of Operations, Craig Smith said the project they will most likely start the project this year.

“Now that we’ve got some of the answers on the funding, we’re looking at letting the project, late this year, but we wouldn’t really expect much for construction until the year 2027 until you would really see any activity out on the project.”

SDDOT said its Major Bridge Investment Study recommended replacing the existing Highway 44 bridge over the Missouri River, citing ongoing issues along the current alignment. The roadway has experienced multiple landslides, resulting in millions of dollars in repair and mitigation costs since the bridge opened to traffic in 1966.

The Platte‑Winner Bridge is the longest bridge in South Dakota, spanning 5,655 feet across the Missouri River. The replacement project will widen the roadway by eight feet. Two 12‑foot lanes will remain, while shoulder widths will increase from two feet to six feet.

Construction has not yet begun. Once the new bridge is completed and traffic is shifted, the existing bridge will be demolished.

The estimated total cost of the Platte‑Winner Bridge replacement project exceeds $200 million.

The Highway 44 Platte‑Winner Bridge is one of nine bridges crossing the Missouri River in South Dakota. Without it, the nearest crossings would require detours of more than 50 miles.

“The Platte‑Winner Bridge is one of six Missouri River bridges on the state’s transportation system that has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced,” said Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt. “The Fort Pierre‑Pierre Bridge was recently replaced, and the Platte‑Winner Bridge is next. This funding is greatly appreciated and provides the necessary resources to construct this critical structure.”

SDDOT said construction activity may result in lane closures with alternating one‑way traffic or short, temporary stops to allow construction equipment to move. Officials said disruptions will be temporary and timed to minimize impacts on drivers.

South Dakota previously received $25 million for the project through Congressional Directed Spending.