South Dakota's longest bridge set for $242M rebuild
Department of Transportation to relocate SD Hwy 44 structure to minimize disruptions in Winner-Platte area
South Dakota’s longest bridge is due for a complete rebuild that’s slated to cost north of $200 million.
According to a 2016 Corridor Study conducted by the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT), the South Dakota Highway 44 bridge near Winner is a two-girder structure that requires a total tear down after a new one is constructed just to its north. And that work is expected to commence this fall.
The total cost will end up being an estimated $242 million.
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“DOT conducted a study of all its major bridges in South Dakota and this bridge ultimately rose up as one of the highest priorities,” DOT Project Manager Tim Thoreen said Tuesday during a town hall meeting.
The water overpass connects Charles Mix and Gregory counties, and the closest communities on each side are Winner and Platte.
Two major concerns rose to the top of mind when construction plans began to come together. Minimizing the impact construction will have on the Snake Creek Recreation Area east of the bridge and road closures during construction.
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