Southern Sioux Falls bracing for orange cone season
City Hall warns drivers of pending construction season
Residents and commuters in the southern part of Sioux Falls are bracing for significant traffic disruptions as the city embarks on a series of street construction projects.
The Sioux Falls Public Works Department this week announced that multiple thoroughfares south of 85th Street, including Western, Minnesota, Louise, and Tallgrass Avenues, will undergo extensive work.
The projects are expected to cause traffic snarls for commuters as partial and full closures and lane reductions progress.
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City Engineer Andy Berg acknowledged the impending inconvenience, emphasizing the city's effort to communicate these changes well in advance.
“We understand street closures and lane reductions can be frustrating and inconvenient to the traveling public,” Berg said. “We hope by getting this information out now, we are giving people what they need to make necessary adjustments to their routines.”
Details of the Impacted Areas:
Western Avenue: Ongoing closures stretch from south of 95th Street to County Highway 106, expected to last until the fall. A significant update will see the construction of a roundabout at the 95th Street intersection after the close of the Harrisburg School District school year. Anticipated completion is prior to school start in August.
Minnesota Avenue: Starting April 8, a stretch of the road beginning at 85th Street and extending south will see reduced lanes, potentially lasting until early June. The work is part of South Veterans Parkway project.
Louise Avenue: Also starting April 8, traffic between 83rd and 93rd Streets will be funneled into a single lane in each direction, with the project extending north to 69th Street by late summer.
Tallgrass Avenue: The stretch between 74th and 85th Streets is closed, with an anticipated reopening in the fall. The work involves new street and utility infrastructure.
Navigating the disruptions:
To mitigate the impact, the city suggests alternative routes. Commuters from Tea are advised to utilize Interstates 29 and 229, while those from Harrisburg are urged to use Cliff Avenue and Highway 11. more convenient. Additionally, a new traffic signal at the 85th Street and Western Avenue intersection is expected to ease congestion, becoming operational by April 5.
Drivers should also consider leaving for their destinations early.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we make these important and necessary updates to our transportation and utility network,” Berg said. “Smoother commutes are ahead.”
