County unveils ambitious five year transportation plan

During a recent government meeting, Pennington County Highway Superintendent Joe Miller presented the county's five-year transportation plan, a requirement for applying for state and federal funding for road and bridge improvements. This plan, which has been in development for nearly a decade, is crucial for securing grants for various infrastructure projects.

Miller highlighted several key road projects, including a long-awaited safety upgrade for Deadwood Avenue, which is expected to go to bid for construction in 2025. He also discussed the need for improvements at the Reservoir Lam Road intersection, where visibility issues pose safety risks for drivers. Ongoing maintenance projects, such as overlays and crack seals, will continue based on the county's pavement condition index data.

In addition to road projects, Miller addressed the status of bridge infrastructure. He noted that a bridge built in 1924 on Highway 1416 requires replacement due to updated federal load rating requirements, despite being in fair condition. Other federal bridge projects are planned, including one on Thunderhead Falls and another on Hammer Quest Road, both set for construction in the coming years.

Miller also introduced innovative bridge technologies, such as tub girders, which have not yet been used in South Dakota. These modern structures are designed for quicker assembly and greater efficiency. Additionally, a modular steel bridge from True North is planned for construction, showcasing the county's commitment to exploring new solutions for infrastructure challenges.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the transportation plan, which was seconded and passed, ensuring that Pennington County can continue to pursue necessary funding for its infrastructure projects.