Construction Updates
Stay Updated
A free text-in service is being used to communicate any major traffic changes. To subscribe, simply text “US385” to 605-566-4041. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.
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Construction Zone Reminders
- Follow posted speed limits in construction zones.
- Be aware of flaggers and other construction workers in the construction area.
- If you are following a pilot car, stay with the line, and do not stop or exit your vehicle in the project area.
Project Update: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
Pre-construction Activities to Begin
- On Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, work is scheduled to begin to clear trees along U.S. Highway 385 from the south side of Pactola Dam to the south end of Sheridan Lake, near Calumet Road. Grading activities are anticipated to begin in late November or December 2024. These activities will take place through the winter season as weather conditions allow. Traffic will be controlled, as needed, with a pilot car. Motorists can expect 15 minute delays through the work zone. Drivers are urged to use caution and reduce their speed while traveling through the construction area.
- The tree clearing is a preliminary effort of phase two of the multi-year construction project on Highway 385. Weather dependent, phase two is scheduled to begin in late 2024 or early 2025.
- The contractor for the tree clearing and grading operation is Oftedal Construction of Miles City, Montana.
- To subscribe to the free text-in service and receive updates on major traffic changes, simply text “US385” to 605-566-4041. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.
October 2024 Drone Flyover
Project Update: Friday, Oct. 17, 2024
Current Conditions
- The contractor is continuing to place layers of gravel material from two miles north of S.D. Highway 44 to the Lawrence-Pennington County line.
- The contractor has begun painting road markings within from Highway 44 to two miles north of Highway 44.
- Users of the roadway can expect delays of approximately 15 minutes and the use of flaggers from two miles north of Highway 44 to the Pennington-Lawrence County line.
- The speed limit has been reduced through the construction area.
- The contractor is applying water to the gravel roadway to control dust as needed.
- The contractor is working Saturdays as needed.
Project Update: Friday, Oct. 4, 2024
Current Conditions
- The contractor is continuing to place layers of gravel material from just north of S.D. Highway 44 to the Pennington-Lawrence County line. Blotter (a hard surface that resembles asphalt) is being installed on U.S. Highway 385 from Highway 44 to approximately two miles north.
- Users of the roadway can expect delays of approximately 15 minutes and the use of flaggers from Pactola Dam to the Pennington-Lawrence County line.
- The speed limit has been reduced through the construction area.
- The contractor is applying water to the gravel roadway to control dust as needed.
- The contractor is working Saturdays as needed.
Project Update: Friday, Sept. 6, 2024
Current Conditions
- The contractor is currently milling (removing the existing pavement) and laying gravel surfacing on U.S. Highway 385 from just north of Silver City Road to the Pennington-Lawrence County line.
- The speed limit has been reduced through the construction area.
- Users of the roadway can expect delays of approximately 15 minutes and the use of flaggers from Pactola Dam to the Pennington-Lawrence County line.
- Traffic is being diverted onto two gravel diversions (temporary at-grade roadways next to the original road). Diversion 1 is immediately south of the Lawrence-Pennington County line, and Diversion 2 is located approximately 1 mile south of Lawrence-Pennington County line. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- The contractor is applying water to the gravel roadway to control dust as needed.
Project Update: Friday, Aug. 23, 2024
Current Conditions
- Construction has now resumed on U.S. Highway 385. Milling (removal of the existing pavement) north of Silver City Road begins on Monday, August 26, 2024.
- The speed limit has been reduced through the construction area.
- Users of the roadway can expect delays of approximately 15 minutes and the use of flaggers from Pactola Dam to the Pennington-Lawrence County Line.
- Traffic is being diverted onto two gravel diversions (temporary at-grade roadways next to the original road). Diversion 1 is immediately south of the Lawrence-Pennington County line, and Diversion 2 is located 1.3 miles south of Lawrence-Pennington County line. A width restriction of 12 feet is in place.
- The contractor is applying water to the gravel roadway to control dust as needed.