Pennington County Commissioners address traffic congestion on Homestead Street and Elkville Road

During the recent Pennington County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 19, 2025, significant discussions centered around traffic congestion issues in the Rapid Valley area, particularly on Homestead Street and Elkvale Road. This topic has gained urgency as over 500 residents signed a petition expressing their concerns about traffic flow near Timmons Market, highlighting the growing need for effective transportation planning in the rapidly developing region.

Commissioner Jerry Drew initiated the conversation by referencing the petition and the challenges posed by increased traffic since the completion of infrastructure improvements in 2022. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between Pennington County, the City of Rapid City, and the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) to address these issues. The county is currently awaiting a comprehensive study from the DOT that will assess traffic patterns and potential solutions along the corridor from the interstate to Highway 16.

Britney Molitor from the planning department echoed residents' frustrations, noting that many feel uninformed and unrepresented in decisions affecting their community. She pointed out that residents in the three-mile planning jurisdiction often lack notification about developments that impact their daily lives, which contributes to their concerns about traffic and infrastructure.

Highway Superintendent Joe Miller added that while the DOT is responsible for the right-of-way on Elkvale Road, improvements to Homestead Street are essential to accommodate the anticipated traffic increases. He mentioned that alternative routes exist but are not fully developed, which limits options for alleviating congestion.

The meeting underscored the need for a jurisdictional agreement between the county and the city to enhance communication and planning efforts as the area continues to grow. The commissioners acknowledged that resolving these traffic issues will not be a quick fix but emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders.

As the county moves forward, residents can expect further updates on the DOT study and potential improvements to traffic management in the Rapid Valley area, which is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient transportation for all community members.