KOTA TV: SDDOT announces temporary signals, reduced speeds for 2026 Sturgis Rally traffic
Drivers heading to the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally should plan for temporary traffic signals, reduced speed limits and other traffic changes as thousands of visitors travel to the Black Hills.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation announced Monday that temporary traffic signals will be in place from July 31 through Aug. 17 at several busy intersections in and around Sturgis, Rapid City and the Black Hills to help manage increased traffic during the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which runs Aug. 7-16.
Temporary signals will be installed at intersections including:
Highway 34/79 and Fort Meade’s main entrance
Highway 34/79 and Glencoe Drive
Highway 34 and Highway 79 east of Sturgis
Highway 34 and Fort Meade Way near Buffalo Chip
Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 385
U.S. Highway 16 and U.S. Highway 385 east of Hill City
Highway 34/79 and 11th Street in Sturgis
Interstate 90 Exit 55 eastbound ramp
Beginning Aug. 6 through Aug. 16, drivers will also see temporary speed limit reductions. I-90 will be reduced from 75 mph to 65 mph between Deadwood Avenue in Rapid City and Lazelle Street in Sturgis. Portions of Highway 34 east of Sturgis and Highway 79 near several popular campgrounds and venues will also have lower speed limits.
SDDOT will also use message boards, speed trailers and I-90 dynamic message signs to provide updates on traffic, crashes and weather conditions throughout the Rally.
Drivers using U.S. Highway 385 will also get a break. Construction between Pactola Dam and Calumet Road will pause Aug. 5-18 to improve traffic flow during the event, although temporary traffic controls may still be necessary.
SDDOT will publish weekday traffic counts from nine locations tracking vehicles entering Sturgis throughout the Rally. Officials say the temporary traffic measures are designed to improve safety and keep traffic moving during one of South Dakota’s busiest travel periods.