SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Proposed U.S. Highway 85 Reconstruction Project from Lead to Pluma

For Immediate Release: 
Thursday, April 10, 2025

Contact: 
Mark Malone, Road Design Engineering Supervisor, 605-773-5409

LEAD, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a public meeting open house on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (MT) to inform area residents of the proposed project to reconstruct U.S. Highway 85 from the Twin City Animal Shelter in Lead to Pluma. The public meeting open house will be held at Deadwood City Hall, located at 102 Sherman St. in Deadwood. A short presentation will be shared at 5:30 p.m.

During the proposed reconstruction project, Highway 85 will be closed. All traffic will be detoured onto U.S. Highway 14A.

The open house will be informal allowing for one-on-one discussions with SDDOT staff. Representatives from SDDOT will be available to answer questions, discuss the proposed project, and receive community input. Information will be available on the acquisition of right-of-way and relocation assistance.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and gather public input. Area residents, business owners, and daily commuters are encouraged to attend and participate in the public meeting open house. Written comments will be accepted at the public meeting.

For those who cannot attend the public meeting open house, or want additional details on the proposed reconstruction project, information is available online at https://dot.sd.gov/projects-studies/projects/public-meetings#listItemLink_2080. The website also allows for online written comments to be submitted. Written comments will be accepted until Monday, May 12, 2025.

Individuals needing assistance, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), should contact the SDDOT ADA Coordinator (605-773-3540) two business days prior to the meeting in order to ensure accommodations are available. For any in-person meeting, notice is further given to individuals with disabilities that the meeting is being held in a physically accessible location.

For more information about the proposed project, contact Mark Malone, Road Design Engineering Manager, at 605-773-5409 or via email at Mark.Malone@state.sd.us.

About SDDOT:
The mission of the South Dakota Department of Transportation is to provide a safe and efficient public transportation system.

For the latest on road and weather conditions, road closures, construction work zones, commercial vehicle restrictions, and traffic incidents, please visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.

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