Watertown Public Opinion: Traffic signal changes coming to US 212 in Watertown
Beginning Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the traffic signals located at U.S. Highway 212 and 33rd Street Southeast in Watertown will be set to a flashing yellow/red operation mode.
The signals will operate as a stop condition for traffic on 33rd Street (before entering Highway 212) for approximately 90 days, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.
These traffic signals are being placed in flashing operation in anticipation of removal at this intersection, while also allowing the South Dakota Department of Transportation to evaluate traffic operations and identify any unanticipated issues that may arise from the proposed removal, SDDOT said in a release. Based on completed traffic analysis, removal of the traffic signals has been determined to be appropriate, as the intersection does not currently meet, nor is it projected to meet traffic signal warrants in the future.
This change is part of a broader corridor study completed along Highway 212 on the east side of Watertown from 19th Street Southeast to Interstate 29 that evaluated current and future traffic operations and safety needs. As part of this effort, a signal installation project at the Highway 212 and 26th Street SE intersection is currently under development as a direct result of this study.