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 U.S. Highway 81/S.D. Highway 46 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 U.S. Highway 81/S.D. Highway 46, 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 2023:
April 4, 2023 - Summer 2024
Project Updates:
Dec. 12, 2023:
IRENE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that S.D. Highway 46, from U.S. Highway 81 to the west edge of the city of Irene, is scheduled to reopen to through traffic on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. This portion of Highway 46 has been closed to through traffic since April 2023.
The temporary interim surfacing consists of a chip sealed blotter for the first four and one-half miles east of the Highway 81 junction. The remaining seven and one-half miles will be gravel surfacing treated with dust control chloride. Motorists should expect a rough road, loose gravel, and no pavement marking for the gravel surface portion of the project. A posted reduced speed limit of 55 mph will be in effect for the entire length of the project until final paving operations are completed during the summer of 2024.
The prime contractor will be responsible for maintenance of the gravel surfacing, with snow and ice removal operations to be performed by SDDOT crews.
---
Nov. 29, 2023:
Nov. Completed Work:
U.S. Highway 81 to 451st Avenue: Gravel surfacing has been completed and dust control chloride has been applied for the winter from U.S. Highway 81 to 450th Avenue. Topsoil placement has been finished up to 450th Ave. Erosion control has been started and will be completed before opening the road to traffic. The new box culvert at 450th has been completed and backfilled. Heavy grading has begun over the new box culvert between 450th and 451st Avenue. New ROW fence is being installed working west to east through the project.
451st Avenue to Irene: Gravel has been placed with only some of the dust control chloride applied near town. The remainder will be applied when the remaining gravel work has been completed.
Anticipated work in December:
The grading work between 450 and 451st Ave will be completed. Gravel surfacing will be placed, and dust control chloride will be applied for the winter months. Topsoil and erosion control measures will follow closely behind the gravel work. The new permanent signing and delineation will be installed prior to opening the road to traffic. Installation of new fencing will continue as the weather permits. It is anticipated that the project will be open to full traffic by mid-December.
News Stories:
Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan 03/30/2023: Highway 46 Project Ready to Roll Again
Project Photos:
2023 Photos: