(KELO) — PIERRE, S.D. The most recent plan to improve South Dakota’s roads and bridges is now official.
The document covering the construction seasons of 2023 through 2026 was approved by the state Transportation Commission on Thursday. Every summer, the package is updated.
In South Dakota, the debate over AED exemption is heating up.
This new one is 544 pages long. There are upgrades for the metro areas of Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Sioux City, as well as an annual plan for South Dakota public transportation organisations.
A state Department of Transportation official, Mark Leiferman, highlighted some of the feedback received during a series of public meetings earlier this summer:
People in Aberdeen expressed gratitude for the rebuilt US 12 between Aberdeen and Ipswich, but they also want passing lanes from Ipswich west to Mobridge.
Slower speed zones will be installed on several SD highways.
Much of the discussion at the Mitchell meeting centred on whether Wagner’s four-lane should be reduced to three lanes. On August 18, a special meeting with Wagner city officials resulted in unanimous approval of the three-lane plan, which is set to begin in 2025.
People in Mitchell also mentioned the need for better tower lights along Interstate 90 near the Mitchell exits, as well as the bumpy ride on SD 44 between Marion and Parker.
The main focus in Rapid City was on US 85 / SD 34 between Hay Creek and Belle Fourche.
The recent meeting in Wagner was attended by commission chair Bruce Cull of Yankton and commissioner Mike Vehle of Mitchell. They praised DOT personnel for resolving the issue.
