Two major road construction projects around Sioux Falls begin

(KSFY)
Published: Apr. 2, 2019 at 11:10 AM CDT
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As the temperatures warm up, we begin another construction season in Sioux Falls.

Crews are working on two significant projects inside the city. One of them is completing a project from last year.

The Ellis Road construction project was scheduled to be completed in Fall of 2018. But, heavy rains delayed construction.

Crews have begun work along the paved section of Ellis Road from 41st street to west 26th Street.

The 12 million dollar project is expected to be completed in phases. Right now, Ellis Road is open, but down to only one lane in each direction and expected to remain this way until work is complete between 26th and 41st.

"This first phase that they're going to be working on is this sideline work, the sidewalk, the bike trail, the landscaping," Josh Peterson, Sioux Falls principal engineer, said. "Things like that on 26th Street to the south. So, that will be done under lane closures that Ellis road will be open up and the side streets to the south."

The project is expected to be completed this fall.

Another big project is Raise the Road, which involves the 26th Street and Southeastern Avenue. Officials say they see upwards of 28,000 cars travel through the area of 26th Street and 12,000 along Southeastern.

Many would think the flooding we experienced last week would've delayed the start of the project, but engineers say they are right on time.

The $37 million project will not only build a bridge over the railroad tracks but will widen lanes on 26th and redesign the I-229 interchange.

The work will be done in three phases; the first two will be completed this year - with the third completed next year. While 26th Street will remain open during construction, there will be other alternate routes for you to take.

"We are where we had planned on being," Dena Knutson, Sioux Falls civil engineer, said. "So, we haven't been delayed too much due to the flooding yet. But, the contractors have started sawing the bridge deck, the bridge that goes over the Big Sioux River. And they will start demoing that here, very shortly."

Southeastern Avenue will close by the end of the month.

Some bad news for east side commuters who are excited about the stoplight at 41st Street and Bahnson Avenue. Right now, at this time considered temporary during construction; it was initially a four-way stop.