Road Report: May 6, 2024

Construction season is here, so we’re back with our weekly look at what projects are done, where you’ll find traffic impacts and what’s scheduled next.

What’s underway

Benson Road: Work on the Benson Road bridge, located over the diversion channel just east of Minnesota Avenue, is progressing.

The removal of the old bridge deck and barrier curbs is ongoing, with the area above the recreation trail being the last section left to clear.

The trail going under the bridge is closed and being detoured up and over Benson Road.

Users should follow the detour signs for safe passage. The contractor is anticipating beginning on the falsework in a couple of weeks.

Stacks of plywood, which will be used in the falsework, are visible in the photos.

Once the old bridge deck is completely removed, the contractor will install these temporary forms to support the new bridge deck and reinforcement while the concrete is placed and cured to sufficient strength.

Benson Road is expected to reopen to traffic in November, but the full completion of all work is anticipated by next spring.

41st & I-29: Work is progressing on the 41st Street and Interstate 29 interchange project.

The contractor is focusing on landscaping and developing the interchange islands. In the center of the bridge, curb and gutters are being constructed, and sidewalks will follow soon.

Additionally, the construction of a cul-de-sac on Carolyn Avenue, just north of 41st Street, is complete and has been paved, although some sidewalk installation is still needed there. A sidewalk from 41st will extend to Carolyn.

Once paving and island construction are finished, the contractor will install traffic signals and apply pavement markings to delineate the diverging diamond interchange.

The entire project is expected to be completed by early July.

13th Street: 13th Street closed on the west side of Churchill Avenue on May 2 to allow crews to perform repairs on the concrete valley gutter. Motorists should use Bahnson Avenue to enter and exit the neighborhood. This work is anticipated to be completed in one week.

Cliff Avenue: The outside southbound lane on Cliff Avenue closed between Third and Sixth streets on May 3. Xcel Energy is working on its poles. This work is anticipated to be completed in a week.

What’s next

Galway Avenue: Beginning today, Galway Avenue will be closed between 61st and 64th streets to allow crews to install a storm sewer pipe across Galway. Motorists should utilize Culbert and Sundowner avenues to enter and exit the neighborhood. This work is anticipated to be completed in approximately one week.

Foss Avenue: Beginning today, Foss Avenue from Sixth to 18th streets will be closed through Thursday, weather permitting. The Sioux Falls Street Division will be performing road maintenance work.

Mesa Pass: Beginning today, the eastern leg of Mesa Pass, including the intersection of Essex Drive, will be closed from the intersection to the north to allow construction crews to begin work on street and utility improvements along Mesa Pass. This work includes a new water main, storm sewer, streetlights, concrete curb repairs and asphalt surfacing. Weather permitting, this work is anticipated to reopen to traffic in early to mid-June.

Cliff Avenue: Beginning today, the outside southbound lane on Cliff Avenue will be closed between the overhead railroad crossing to Second Street. Xcel Energy will work on its poles. This work is anticipated to be completed in approximately one week.

Louise Avenue: Beginning Tuesday, the outside southbound lane on Louise Avenue will be closed just north of 69th Street. The closure will continue south on Louise to 85th Street.  Xcel Energy will replace poles and string new conductor. This work is anticipated to be completed in mid-June.

I-90 at Brandon: Beginning Tuesday, the Interstate 90 eastbound off-ramp at Brandon will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. A detour will be in place. The off-ramp closure is necessary for Xcel Energy to perform transmission line work. This work is anticipated to last up to five days. Traffic on Highway 11 over the interstate or exiting east to I-90 also will be stopped periodically with the use of flaggers.