Irene - S.D. Highway 46 from U.S. Highway 81 to Irene

Project Summary:
This project is a 12-mile-long full reconstruction of S.D. Highway 46 in Yankton County. The project begins at the US81/SD46 intersections and ends at the west edge of the City of Irene. Work on this project will consist of full roadway grading, structure replacement, culvert replacement, interim surfacing, intersection lighting at US81/SD46 and new permanent signing.
During construction, the highway will be closed to through traffic. Access to residents and landowners adjacent to the project will be maintained, but travelers are encouraged to use the signed detour route around the project. The detour route around the project includes S.D. Highway 19 to U.S. Highway 18 and U.S. Highway 81.
Project Timeline:
November 17, 2023 completion date.
Project Press Releases:
March 20, 2023: The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says the reconstruction project on S.D. Highway 46, from U.S. Highway 81 to the west edge of the City of Irene, is tentatively scheduled to resume on Monday, April 3, 2023. Read the full release here.
December 6, 2022: The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that S.D Highway 46 in Yankton County has been reopened to through traffic for the winter months. Highway 46 had been closed to through traffic since July while construction of two new box culverts were completed.
A temporary asphalt surface has been placed over the newly constructed box culverts for the winter. Motorists are encouraged to reduce speed while traveling over these sites. Bump signs with 45 mph speed plaques and bump markers have been placed at the ends of the temporary asphalt to alert motorists of the differing conditions. Read the full release here.
July 13, 2022
July 7, 2022
Project Updates:
Completed Work: The contractor set up the detour and closed the road to thru traffic. Box culvert construction has begun on 2 box culverts in the west 4 miles. The first box culvert is complete and has been backfilled. The second box is poured out.
Anticipated work to be completed: The contractor will work on backfilling the new box culverts at Stations 96. The roadway will be opened back up to traffic for the winter.
Project Photos:
Fall 2022: