Several major highway projects in the Sioux Falls metro area are nearing completion this month, with a new two-mile stretch of South Veterans Parkway opening this week and the massive Cliff Avenue and Interstate 229 reconstruction set to reopen on November 20. While some roads are finally clearing up, other multi-million dollar projects will continue through the winter and into 2027.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is managing a complex transition as seasonal shifts impact construction timelines. According to reporting from Sioux Falls Live, most current projects remain on schedule, even as crews prepare for the challenges of winter work on several key corridors.
The South Veterans Parkway expansion
A new six-lane section of South Veterans Parkway, running from Cliff Avenue to Sycamore Avenue, is scheduled to open to traffic this week. This segment operates at a 50 mph speed limit and represents the second phase of a massive $210 million undertaking.
The four-phase project aims to connect Tea to Interstate 29, eventually linking to North Veterans Parkway and Interstate 90. The next major step in this expansion, moving from Sycamore Avenue northeast toward Highway 11, is slated to begin in the spring of 2027.
The scale of this investment highlights the rapid growth of the southern metro area, as planners work to accommodate increasing vehicle volumes between the suburban fringes and the interstate system.
Safety upgrades on I-29 and I-229
Safety remains a primary driver for several ongoing infrastructure improvements. Crews have finished installing 17 miles of high-tension cable guardrails in the Interstate 29 median, covering the stretch from near the Lennox exit through Sioux Falls to the 60th Street North area near I-90.
These cable barriers are specifically engineered to prevent head-on collisions by stopping vehicles from crossing the median. Area Highway Engineer Harry Johnston noted that the department prioritized these specific sections because they offered the highest potential for impact. Work will expand toward Dell Rapids and the Flandreau exit next year, with a final phase on I-90 scheduled for 2028.
On the I-229 corridor, a $53.6 million reconstruction project is almost at the finish line. After two years of construction, the interchange at Cliff Avenue is expected to open on November 20. This project has delivered three lanes in each direction on I-229, two lanes on Cliff Avenue, and a new underground tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists.
“It’s on schedule,” Johnston said, noting that a strong summer helped offset heavy rainfall in September and October.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation also maintains a record of specific ramp maintenance to ensure long-term durability. According to data from dot.sd.gov, recent work on I-229 ramps at Louise Avenue, Western Avenue, and Rice Street has involved asphalt overlays and joint sealing to maintain pavement integrity.
Long-term shifts for southwest commuters
While some drivers will see immediate relief, others face a longer wait as the 85th Street and I-29 interchange undergoes a $54 million transformation. This project is implementing a diverging diamond interchange to better serve the growing populations in southwest Sioux Falls and Tea.
Construction will not stop for the winter. Crews are scheduled to install steel bridge girders in December, following recent work on exit ramps, grading, and storm sewers. Commuters will benefit from a new northbound exit from 85th Street that flows directly into Louise Avenue, eliminating the need for a lane merge.
The project’s timeline and costs for major Sioux Falls area developments are summarized below:
| Project Location | Estimated Cost | Expected Completion |
|---|---|---|
| South Veterans Parkway (Total) | $210 million | Phased through 2027+ |
| Cliff Avenue & I-229 | $53.6 million | November 20, 2026 |
| 85th Street & I-29 | $54 million | Fall 2027 |
| Highway 11 (North of Brandon) | $14.9 million | June 2027 |
Flooding and right-of-way challenges
Not every project is moving at a steady clip. A $14.9 million effort to raise Highway 11 north of Brandon to combat flooding is expected to last until June 2027. Because of the work, a detour is currently in place for the Minnehaha County Highway crossing, which follows paved county roads north past Palisades State Park toward Garretson.
Further east, Highway 42 improvements face a potential delay. The state intends to expand the highway to four lanes starting next spring, but the project is currently awaiting the resolution of a right-of-way issue. If bidding occurs in March, the first phase will focus on the area near the Big Sioux River bridge and the 26th Street exit.
The construction cycle is expected to ebb in 2027 as the 85th Street and Highway 11 projects conclude. However, a new wave of major work is projected for 2028, including the Minnesota Avenue and I-229 interchange reconstruction and the second year of the Highway 42 expansion.
Worth a look
Analysts: Wisconsin Republicans Shift Away From Election Denial
Wisconsin candidates shift away from election denial Republican candidates in Wisconsin largely avoided claims of election fraud during...
Burlington High School Students Report Feeling Isolated in New Building
The isolation of 250,000 square feet Forty percent of students at Burlington High School say they feel less...
Why Tennessee’s Win Over Kentucky Boosts Its Playoff Chances
Tennessee boosted its College Football Playoff chances on Saturday by defeating sixth-ranked Kentucky 34-6. The victory moves the...
Rhode Island Energy Nears Completion of Natural Gas Modernization
Rhode Island gas infrastructure nears completion Rhode Island Energy is nearing the end of a major project to...