S.D. Highway 44 Platte-Winner Bridge
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will the existing bridge remain open during construction?
Yes. The existing bridge will remain open throughout construction and will not be demolished until the new bridge is complete and traffic has been safely shifted to the new bridge alignment.
While the bridge will remain open, motorists should expect occasional, temporary impacts to travel. At times, construction activities may require lane closures with alternating one-way traffic or brief stops to allow construction equipment to move safely through the work zone. These temporary disruptions are anticipated to be minimal to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow during construction.
What is the anticipated construction schedule?
Bid Letting – August 2026
Dependent upon the bid letting process, it is anticipated that construction would begin in early 2027 with completion in 2031, to include the removal of the existing bridge.
How will Snake Creek Recreation Area be impacted?
Improvements are planned to help keep the park fully operational during all phases of construction. This means some work at the park will occur as soon as this fall to prepare for construction. One of the notable improvements will be relocation of the dump station to a new site 1.25 miles east of the current site. Access to the boat launch and parking lot is expected to remain in place during construction, with some potential temporary impacts. We do not expect direct impacts to the campgrounds south of Highway 44. Indirect impacts (such as noise during work hours set by the contractor) are expected - more details about those potential impacts will be better understood when a contractor is chosen.
How wide will the new bridge be?
The new bridge will include the addition of shoulders to provide a total width of 36 ft. compared to the existing 28 ft. width.
What will happen to the old bridge?
The existing bridge will be demolished and removed from the river after completion of the new bridge and highway. No elements of the old bridge will be visible from above the water.
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