SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) By the end of 2013, more than $92.4 million in street and utility improvements will have been invested in Sioux Falls. That includes $49 million provided by the City and $43.4 million provided by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT).
“The partnership between the City of Sioux Falls and the DOT has never been stronger,” says Mark Cotter, Director of Public Works for the City. “It’s through the State’s involvement that major projects like Russell Street, Highway 11, the interchange at Cliff Avenue and Interstate 90, and the Solberg Avenue overpass have come to fruition.”
Of the $49 million invested by the City in 2013, nearly $29 million was for utility and landfill improvements, including the Sioux River South Sanitary Sewer project, which upgraded the City’s sewer system on the south side of town. The $43.4 million provided by the DOT was all designated for street improvements.
“The coordination with the City of Sioux Falls is an important aspect to many of our projects in the Sioux Falls area,” says Travis Dressen, Sioux Falls Area Engineer for the DOT. “Through these efforts, we are able to align our project needs during the planning phase and incorporate municipal improvements into state highway construction projects, which minimizes impacts to travelers and provides a higher return on the initial investment.”
In 2014, several major street construction projects are planned for Sioux Falls.
- The Russell Street project will continue for the second and final year, as the eastbound lanes are constructed.
- The intersection of Tenth Street and Sycamore Avenue will be reconstructed, adding right turn lanes and dual left turn lanes.
- 41st Street from Sertoma Avenue to Ellis Road will be widened to four lanes with a raised median.
- 12th Street from Carolyn Avenue to Kiwanis Avenue will receive extensive concrete joint repairs.
- Second Avenue from Tenth Street to 11th Street will be reconstructed, as the flagship project affecting downtown.
- Eighth Street from Fairfax Avenue to Sherman Avenue will be reconstructed and realigned at Cliff Avenue.