S.D. Highway 44 Platte-Winner Bridge

Yes! The current bridge will not be demolished until after completion of the new structure and traffic is officially moved to the new bridge alignment. That said, we do anticipate some minor disturbances to mobility through this area during construction. For example, construction activity may cause situations of a lane closure with alternating one-way traffic, or short periods of stopped traffic to accommodate construction equipment movement. These disturbances are expected to be temporary in nature and timed to minimize disruption.

What is the anticipated construction schedule?

Anticipated Letting Date – 2025

How will Snake Creek Recreation Area be impacted?
Improvements are planned to help keep the park fully operational during all phases of construction. This means some work at the park will occur as soon as this fall to prepare for construction. One of the notable improvements will be relocation of the dump station to a new site 1.25 miles east of the current site. Access to the boat launch and parking lot is expected to remain in place during construction, with some potential temporary impacts. We do not expect direct impacts to the campgrounds south of Highway 44. Indirect impacts (such as noise during work hours set by the contractor) are expected - more details about those potential impacts will be better understood when a contractor is chosen.

How wide will the new bridge be?
The new bridge roadway will be eight feet wider than the old bridge. Two twelve-foot lanes will remain in place, but now the shoulders will be six feet wide instead of two feet.

What will happen to the old bridge?
The existing bridge will be demolished and removed from the river after completion of the new bridge and highway. No elements of the old bridge will be visible from above the water.