Sioux Falls Railroad Corridor Analysis and Crossing Safety Study
Overview
SDDOT and local partners are studying 130 public railroad crossings in the Sioux Falls area to make them safer and more reliable. The study is funded by the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program, which awarded SDDOT a grant in January 2025. We will review options to close certain crossings and improve others, and we will share findings with the public throughout the process. The study is scheduled to run through June 2027.
Reason for Study
Train crossings can cause crashes, delays, and blocked intersections that affect everyday travel and emergency response. Our goal is to reduce risks and backups by identifying where closures make sense and recommending practical safety upgrades—with special attention to the Cliff Avenue area near Avera McKennan Hospital, which has closely spaced crossings.
Background
Railroads have long supported the region, and today freight service is provided by BNSF, Dakota & Iowa (D&I), and Ellis & Eastern (E&E). With support from the FRA Railroad Crossing Elimination grant, this study focuses on practical safety and traffic operations at existing crossings; it does not move or realign rail lines. The work is a joint effort among SDDOT, the Cities of Brandon, Crooks, Harrisburg, and Sioux Falls, SECOG, the MPO, and rail partners.
Study Area
Major steps include collecting data, analyzing current and 2050 conditions, developing and comparing options, sharing recommendations, and publishing the final report. Key target dates: Notice to Proceed (March 2026), Public Open House #1 (planned for late summer 2026), Public Open House #2 (planned for early 2027), and Final Report (June 2027). Exact meeting dates will be posted when confirmed.
Study Schedule
Major steps include collecting data, analyzing current and 2050 conditions, developing and comparing options, sharing recommendations, and publishing the final report. Key target dates: Notice to Proceed (March 2026), Public Open House #1 (planned for late summer 2026), Public Open House #2 (planned for early 2027), and Final Report (June 2027). Exact meeting dates will be posted when confirmed.
Public Involvement
We will hold two public open houses in Sioux Falls and meet with key stakeholders and neighborhoods near the most affected crossings. Notices will be published in local newspapers and shared online. All posted materials will be ADA compliant and reviewed by the Study Advisory Team, SDDOT Communications, and the Governor’s Office before they appear on the SDDOT website.
Study Advisory Team
A multi agency Study Advisory Team (SAT) is guiding the work. Members include staff from SDDOT, the Cities of Brandon and Sioux Falls, SECOG, MPO partners, and railroads (BNSF and Ellis & Eastern). The SAT meets regularly to review progress, discuss findings, and ensure the study reflects local needs; additional members may be added as needed.
Study Technical Memorandums
As work progresses, we will publish final, approved documents that explain the study methods and findings, including: Methods & Assumptions, Existing & Future Conditions, Alternatives and Screening Results, Environmental Screening, and the Final Study Report. Drafts will not be posted; only final materials will appear on the website.
The SDDOT has retained HR Green, Inc. to perform this study. For more information or comments, please contact:
