US Highway 385 Construction
Comments Off on US Highway 385 ConstructionThe Black Hills of South Dakota are a breathtaking destination, boasting stunning landscapes, rich Native American history, and iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, and amazing outdoor adventures. However, for travelers embarking on a journey to this picturesque region, road construction can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Fear not, intrepid adventurers! With a little preparation and insider knowledge, navigating road construction in the Black Hills can be a breeze.
As with any popular tourist destination, road construction is a necessary inconvenience aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors. During peak travel seasons, such as summer, construction projects are often in full swing, which means encountering detours, delays, and temporary closures is par for the course.
And 2024 is no exception, as it marks the start of a major project that MIGHT affect your travels – so let’s break it down to insure the areas upgrades don’t interfere with the fun.
If you are traveling to Custer from the northern hills, for a hot air balloon ride with us at Black Hills Balloons, or any other appointment related activity, please make sure you are aware of the construction on US Highway 385. Construction projects along Highway 385, a popular route connecting the northern Black Hills to Custer State Park and the town of Custer, and the southern Black Hills may result in detours or delays. Travelers are advised to plan their route accordingly and allow extra time for potential disruptions.
THE DETAILS:
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is reconstructing a portion of U.S. Highway 385 between the Pennington-Lawrence county line and the south end of Sheridan Lake. Once completed, this section of U.S. Highway 385 will feature safety improvements, including wider shoulders on each side of the road where possible, improved road curves to meet current design standards, additional turning lanes to improve traffic flow, and new surfacing.
Approximately 15 miles of U.S. Highway 385, from Calumet Road (near Sheridan Lake) to the Pennington-Lawrence county line in South Dakota, is planned to be reconstructed from 2024 through 2026. Construction of U.S. Highway 385 is split into sections that will be completed over three years. The northern segment, which runs from Pactola Dam to the Pennington-Lawrence county line, is expected to be under construction in 2024. The southern section, which runs from the southern point of Sheridan Lake (Calumet Road) to Pactola Dam, is expected to be under construction in 2025 and 2026.
THE TIMELINE*:
2024 May 20 – July 12 Boat Ramp to Pactola Dam
2024 May 20 – June 7 SD Hwy 44 to Boat Ramp
2025 April 28 – June 13 Sheridan Lake Road to Be Still Road
2025 Aug 12 – Oct 17 Be Still Road to Calumet Road
2025 Oct 20 – April 17 26’ Pactola Dam to Taylor Ranch Road
*The above dates are subject to change – please confirm timeline by visiting https://www.us-385.com/
If you’ve booked a hot air balloon ride to witness the beauty of the Black Hills from above, factor in additional travel time and consider departing earlier than planned to ensure you arrive at your destination punctually. Hot air balloon rides are scheduled at sunrise for a reason. It’s not only the best time to view the landscape and wildlife bathed in golden light, it’s also the safest time of day to fly by offering the calmest and most stable weather conditions of the day. Arriving on time will ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Despite the occasional detour or delay, road construction in the Black Hills serves as a reminder of the region’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and enhancing the visitor experience for generations to come. By embracing the spirit of adventure and flexibility, travelers can turn road construction obstacles into opportunities for discovery and exploration in one of America’s most awe-inspiring destinations. So, pack your sense of adventure and hit the road—construction zones and all—for an unforgettable journey through the Black Hills of South Dakota.
*Timeline, maps, and more information is available by the SD DOT at https://www.us-385.com/