MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The South Dakota Department of Transportation has provided updates on several regional highway projects, including S.D. Highway 38 east of Mitchell, S.D. Highway 46 through Wagner and the planned replacement of the Platte-Winner Bridge.
S.D. Highway 38 East of Mitchell
Crews will continue grading operations from 423rd Avenue to 425th Avenue in September, along with pipe installations to improve drainage.
Salvaged gravel surfacing and prime oil operations will follow the grading work. Installation of a box culvert between 424th and 425th avenues is also scheduled to begin.
The project includes roadway grading to improve driving conditions and sight distance, intersection modifications to improve traffic flow and safety, and drainage improvements.
Platte-Winner Bridge
Construction of a new Platte-Winner Bridge is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and be completed in 2031.
The new bridge will be 36 feet wide, including shoulders, compared with the existing bridge’s 28-foot width.
The existing bridge will remain open during construction and will not be removed until the new bridge and highway are complete. Motorists could encounter occasional lane closures, alternating one-way traffic and brief stops as equipment moves through the work zone.
S.D. Highway 46 through Wagner
Construction continues on Highway 46 through Wagner, where the project includes grading, paving, utilities, sidewalks, lighting and other improvements.
Work through mid-September is expected to include completing sidewalks, light poles and restoration work on the south side of the highway.
Crews are also transitioning from phase three to phase four. Traffic will be moved to accommodate two-way travel on the eastbound lanes as construction begins progressing west to east. Upcoming work includes removing existing pavement and beginning storm sewer installation from the west city limits to 394th Avenue on the north side.
Motorists should use caution and allow additional travel time. Drivers are also reminded that the posted 15 mph school-zone speed limit applies when children are present, even though the flashing school-zone beacons have been temporarily removed.
More project information and updates are available from the South Dakota Department of Transportation.