Two-year project to upgrade Benson Road and I-229 kicks off

Intersection is gateway to one of Sioux Falls' major employment centers

Jason Kjenstad, left, the project manager for HDR on the Benson Road-I-229 project, explains the project to James Oppenheimer, right, the executive director of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

Work begins this week to remake one of the busiest rush-hour intersections in the state.

And work will continue at Benson Road and Interstate 229 for the next two construction seasons, with a completion date expected in 2024.

The rebuilt intersection will feature a diverging diamond on the bridge over I-229 and the first triple-left turning lane in the city, which should help traffic from northbound I-229 flow onto westbound Benson, which services one of the main employment centers in Sioux Falls.

“There are so many employee centers here,” said Jason Kjenstad, the project manager for HDR. “You’ve got Poet out here. You’ve got Sanford. There are thousands of employee jobs out here.”

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