KELO: Nightly I-229 ramp closure starts Tuesday

A temporary closure along an interstate that goes through Sioux Falls will mean some overnight detours for drivers. However, officials say the construction is tied to a major milestone in the ongoing Interstate 29 and 85th Street Interchange Project.

Starting Tuesday, August 11th, crews will temporarily shut down the I-229 southbound ramp that ties into I-29, making way for the next step in the ongoing interchange project in Sioux Falls.

“That closure will actually be to set the steel girders,” DOT area engineer Harry Johnston said. “They’re going to go across the ramp to be able to build that structure for the future ramp that will tie I-29 southbound into the 85th Street interchange.”

Once the beams are in place, crews can continue building the bridge, which will create a direct connection from I-29 south to 85th Street.

“The I-229 ramp will go underneath the I-29 ramp for 85th Street, so that’s why there’s a bridge there,” Johnston said. “That way, the traffic that’s hit southbound on I-29 will be able to exit and tie directly into 85th Street.”

The closure will only affect drivers during the nightly hours from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday.

During closure times, southbound I‑229 traffic will be directed to northbound I‑29 where they can exit at 41st Street, and then be re-routed back to southbound I‑29.

Crews are also working on the northbound ramps that will connect to 85th Street.

“It will definitely improve this area of town where it’ll be easier to access Interstate 29 northbound and southbound. It’ll also give residents a way to get across I-29 using this,” DOT project engineer Steve Neumeister said.

Even after the week’s installation, there’s still plenty of work ahead. So, drivers should plan ahead too, and be prepared for any traffic delays.

“They’ll continue grading on 85th Street on the west side of the interstate. Then, after that, we can grade it and get ready for paving,” Neumeister said.

The I-29 and 85th Street Interchange Project is expected to be finished at the end of 2027.

Watch the KELOLAND news clip here: https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/nightly-i-229-ramp-closure-starts-tuesday/