Road Report: Projects that defined 2021

Other than a few minor updates, we’re calling road construction in Sioux Falls largely done for the season.

So we’re recapping the year with a look at the key projects that left our city streets ready for years of future travel:

57th Street, from Minnesota Avenue to St. Andrews Drive

“The addition of the center turn lane will increase the safety of motorists by separating the left-turning traffic from the through traffic,” said Brad Ludens, principle engineer for the city of Sioux Falls.

“Pedestrian safety and accessibility will also improve with the addition of sidewalk along the west side of the street and with the addition of the traffic signal at Ralph Rogers Road.”

69th Street and Sycamore Avenue

Southeast Sioux Falls gained a new, future major intersection with the completion of this project.

“The roadway expansion on 69th Street and the paving of the 69th Street and Sycamore Avenue intersection provides better access to current and future development on the southeast side of the city,” Ludens said.

Southwest Sioux Falls road projects

The southwest part of the city saw four major road projects this year, with improvements to:

• Marion Road from 41st to 57th streets.
• 49th Street from Louise to Carnegie avenues.
• The interchange of 26th Street and I-29.
• The interchange of 12th Street and I-29.

“These four projects we all completed in 2021 in order to make necessary repairs at these locations ahead of the reconstruction work that will be happening at the 41st Street and I-29 interchange in 2022-2023,” Ludens explained.

The city did not want work at any of these locations to occur at the same time as the project at the 41st Street interchange. The pavement on all four streets was in need of rehabilitation work. Additionally, a large box culvert was installed as part of the 49th Street project to help alleviate drainage concerns in this area of the city.

33rd Street and Minnesota Avenue

You likely experienced this one on your commute through central Sioux Falls, as the full reconstruction of 33rd and Minnesota took most of the season, plus involved some work nearby.

“The work at the intersection of 33rd Street and Minnesota Avenue constructed some much needed upgrades for the underground utilities and street surfacing within the intersection,” Ludens said. “The work completed in 2021 will serve the needs of the city for the next several decades.”

Marion Road, I-90 to the north

Construction of this expanded road was timed to support expected development nearby — starting next year.

“The work completed on Marion Road will help traffic flow efficiently and smoothly when Amazon’s facility opens in 2022,” Ludens said.

Thanks to Sioux Falls Public Works for supporting our weekly Road Report this season! Luckily, it won’t be long before we’re thinking spring. In the meantime, here’s a peek at one of 2022’s signature projects.

From string lights to swings, what’s ahead for Phillips Avenue in 2022