SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Drivers may need to prepare more commute time along Cliff Avenue and Interstate 229. Interchange reconstruction starts on Monday, April 7, and traffic will change.
“Chaos is about to ensue…” Shannon Ausen, engineering program manager for the city of Sioux Falls, said in a public works update video on April 1, referring to the work along Cliff Avenue.
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In the video, Kirk Henderson from the SD Department of Transportation said the majority of the work along Cliff Avenue will update the powerlines.
“[Xcel Energy] will just keep putting up more powerlines and moving their powerlines over from the old lines to the new lines,” Henderson said.
For the first week of construction, April 7-13, SDDOT lists the following traffic impacts on I-229:
Northbound traffic will divert onto the temporary bridge.
Lanes will be closed at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
SDDOT officials say the nighttime lane closures will allow crews to install traffic control devices, concrete barriers, and pavement markings along northbound I-229.
The city of Sioux Falls says Cliff Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction for the remainder of the school year. But during the summer season, the road will be fully closed.
SDDOT shows the work that will take place along Cliff Avenue and I-229.
Starting Monday, April 14, drivers should expect more traffic changes, SDDOT said:
Southbound traffic on I-229 will be switched to the northbound lanes.
Southbound on and off-ramps will be closed at exit 4.
Drivers should use exit 3 and exit 5 to access Cliff Avenue north of I-229.
On April 14, 41st Street will close west of Cliff Avenue but will maintain access to businesses from the west, according to the city of Sioux Falls.
I-229 northbound on and off-ramps will stay open till the end of the year, city staff said.
SDDOT officials remind all drivers to be cautious around construction zones. While workers and equipment are present, reduce your speed, SDDOT said.
The Sioux Falls School District expressed its excitement about the project in a statement to KELOLAND News on March 19.
“Once completed, the redesigned intersections around LHS will enhance safety and improve traffic flow,” Carly Uthe, Sioux Falls School District communications specialist, said in the statement. “While the process may be a bit messy, more so during summer months, the end result will be well worth it.”
To learn more about the Cliff Avenue and I-229 interchange project, join the SDDOT public open house at Lincoln High School from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9.
The Cliff Avenue and I-229 interchange will be reconstructed into a single point urban interchange, according to SDDOT. The interchange from 38th Street will connect to the entrance of Spencer park and realign with 41st Street with the entrance of Lincoln high school (LHS), along with additional lighting, signals, and mainline Interstate work.
SDDOT says the project also includes two structure replacements:
In 2025, the southbound I-229 lanes and one structure will be completed.
In 2026, the northbound I-229 lanes and the second structure will be completed.
Officials hope to complete the entire project by June 2027. The city of Sioux Falls partnered with SDDOT for the entire interchange reconstruction project.
Sioux Falls city officials say the dry, warm weather conditions have been cooperative for an early start to construction season.
For the latest on road and weather conditions, road closures, construction work zones, commercial vehicle restrictions, and traffic incidents, visit the 511 website or dial 511.
According to SDDOT, the prime contractor on this $48 million project is T&R Contracting, Inc. of Sioux Falls, SD.
