U.S. Highway 212 set to open in Watertown

For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, February 5, 202
Contact:  Bryce R. Olson, 605-882-5166 

WATERTOWN, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation says contractor Reede Construction will open the remaining portion of Highway 212 in Watertown, including the recently constructed Big Sioux River Bridge, on Thursday, Feb. 6. 

Remaining work to complete the project will need to be done in Spring 2020 and will be completed half at a time under two-way traffic. Full closure of the highway to complete this work is not anticipated.  

Temporary pavement has been placed so the project could be opened to traffic. In the spring, this temporary pavement will be removed to make way for the new approach panels and underdrain system at each end of the bridge. Remaining sidewalk work and permanent pavement marking will also be completed in the spring. 

The $10.3 million project has reconstructed one mile of Highway 212 from Highway 20 to Highway 81 and included utility work, grading, storm sewer, curb and gutter, sidewalk, structure, concrete paving, lighting and signal upgrades. 

The overall completion date for the project was set for Oct. 25, 2019. Significant weather delays and the high river levels on the Big Sioux River throughout 2019 have delayed completion of the project.  

For complete road construction information, visit www.safetravelusa.com/sd or dial 511.

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