Events & Resources

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is reconstructing a portion of U.S. Highway 385 between the Pennington-Lawrence county line and the south end of Sheridan Lake (Calumet Road). Once completed, this section of Highway 385 will feature safety improvements, including wider shoulders on each side of the road where possible, improved road curves to meet current design standards, additional turning lanes to improve traffic flow, and new surfacing.

This project is being completed with funding from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the use of federal funds requires that certain standards be met. Highway 385 does not meet current design standards and requires redesign alongside general maintenance due to the age of the infrastructure.

Site distances for hills and curves: Portions of the roadway do not meet current design standards for curvature and will be redesigned to meet current design criteria.

Roadway shoulders: Current design standards dictate an eight-foot shoulder, and the current highway only has two to three-foot shoulders.

Clear zone: The current roadway has a limited clear zone of two to 16 feet, and current design standards require a minimum 30-foot clear zone.

Culverts and drainage pipes: Multiple box culverts nearing the end of their useful life and drainage pipes in poor condition will be replaced.

Access to adjacent properties: Driveways and access to adjacent properties will be improved, and turn lanes will be installed at key intersections to improve the flow of traffic.

Construction started in spring 2024 and will go through the end of 2026, with final surfacing being completed in 2027.

During construction, lanes will be kept at a minimum of 12 feet wide. Sections of the roadway may be loose gravel.

At least one lane in each direction will be maintained throughout most of the construction process. However, construction plans will include completely closing portions of the road for a period of time in consideration of traveler safety and efficiency for the construction crew. More information will be provided to adjacent landowners, businesses, and members of the general public prior to the start of any closures. The map on the front page details anticipated closures and dates.

The posted detour for for road closures will be S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16. Please note that detours during road closures may add an extra 30 to 60 minutes to drivers' commute.

Pactola Reservoir North Boat Ramp: In 2025 and 2026, the north boat ramp will be fully accessible.

Pactola Reservoir South Boat Ramp: In 2025 and 2026, the south boat ramp will be fully accessible.

Veteran's Point Trail*: Veteran's Point Trail will be accessible throughout the duration of construction. During Phase 2 construction (2025 and 2026), Veteran's Point Trail can be accessed from the north. During rock blasts, the parking lot for Veteran's Point Trail will be closed for 1-2 hours.

Pactola Visitor Center*: Pactola Visitor Center will be closed in 2025.

Prospect Rock Crawling Trail (Trail 6830)*: Closed during Closure D (April 28 - June 13, 2025).

Sheridan Lake South Beach and Campground*: During both Closure C and Closure D, Sheridan Lake may be accessed from the north via Sheridan Lake Road or from the south via Calumet Road.

Sheridan Lake Fishing Pier*: The Sheridan Lake Fishing Pier will be closed beginning Monday, April 21, 2025, and during Closure D (April 28 - June 13, 2025).

*Additional questions about any USFS facilities can be directed to the Mystic Ranger Station.

The entire project is anticipated to cost a total of approximately $72 million.

The project team held multiple public meetings in September 2019 and landowner meetings in January 2020 to gather input and feedback. Feedback from residents and stakeholders was consid-ered while finalizing the roadway design. The proposed design of the road includes safety improvements and brings the highway up to current design standards. The project team is also coordinating with local emergency services.

This construction sequencing decision was determined by the SDDOT with input from a focus group made up of project stake-holders, including representatives of parents of Hill City students, school district representatives, business owners, South Dakota Department of Tourism, U.S. Forest Service, adjacent landowners and residents, local Chamber of Commerce representatives, local government and State representatives, and trails advocacy groups.

A project website is available and will be updated throughout the construction process.
Free Text Alerts: Text "US385" to 605-566-4041
Facebook: South Dakota Department of Transportation
X: @SouthDakotaDOT