KBHB Radio: DOT Extends Public Comment Period for Highway 85 Project After Community Pushback
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is giving the public an extra two and a half months to weigh in on a controversial highway project in the northern Black Hills.
The decision follows a June 4th open house in Deadwood where opponents voiced strong concerns over how the construction might impact the scenic environment of Spearfish Canyon.
Key Details of the Extension
The Project: A planned reconstruction of U.S. Highway 85, stretching from the Wyoming state line to Highway 14A near Cheyenne Crossing.
New Deadline: Public feedback is now being accepted until September 4, pushed back from the original June 19 deadline to ensure greater community engagement.
How to Review and Weigh In
For community members who missed the open house or want to take a closer look at the design plans, SDDOT has made all project materials available online.
How to submit feedback: Residents can review the proposal and submit their thoughts online or via email through the official South Dakota Department of Transportation website. Officials emphasize that community input will directly help shape the project’s final design.