Street Construction Projects to Impact Traffic in South Sioux Falls

Published on April 02, 2024

In the coming months, several street construction projects will impact travel in southern Sioux Falls, primarily south of 85th Street. This year, Western, Minnesota, Louise, and Tallgrass Avenues are affected by street and private utility construction, requiring complete street closures or lane reductions. These projects will have the biggest traffic impacts to residents living and working in that area, and commuters from Tea and Harrisburg. 

“We understand street closures and lane reductions can be frustrating and inconvenient to the traveling public,” said Andy Berg, City Engineer. “We hope by getting this information out now, we are giving people what they need to make necessary adjustments to their routines. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we make these important and necessary updates to our transportation and utility network. Smoother commutes are ahead.” 

Impacted Streets

Western Avenue 

As previously announced, Western Avenue from south of 95th Street to County Highway 106 is currently closed and will remain closed until later this fall. 

After the Harrisburg School District finishes its school year in May, the intersection at 95th Street and Western Avenue will be closed for crews to construct a roundabout. The roundabout is anticipated to reopen in August, ahead of the start of the school year. 

This construction work is related to South Veterans Parkway (SVP) and includes the roundabout, buildout of the SVP and Western Avenue intersection, and important utility upgrades in the area. 

Minnesota Avenue 

Minnesota Avenue from 85th Street to about one-half mile south of the intersection will be reduced to one-lane traffic in each direction from Monday, April 8, to early June, depending on weather and construction progress. This work is to construct elements of the SVP and Minnesota Avenue intersection. For additional details on the project, visit www.southveteransparkway.com. 

Louise Avenue 

Louise Avenue from 83rd to 93rd Streets will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction from Monday, April 8, to August, depending on weather and construction progress. Lane reductions will be conducted in phases during the project and will eventually reach 69th Street toward the end of summer. The project is for Xcel Energy to construct underground and overhead facilities along Louise Avenue, and the feed expansion will increase its reliability in the south metro of Sioux Falls. The project was originally anticipated outside the street construction season but was moved up to accommodate their scheduling needs. 

Tallgrass Avenue 

Tallgrass Avenue is closed from 74th to 85th Streets and will remain closed until later this fall. This project includes new street construction and utility upgrades. 

Alternate Routes: 

• Drivers to and from Tea are encouraged to use Interstates 29 and 229 to enter and exit the area. 
• Drivers to and from Harrisburg are encouraged to use Cliff Avenue and Highway 11 to enter and exit the area. 
• A traffic signal is being installed at 85th Street and Western Avenue to alleviate traffic congestion at the intersection. It will be operational by Friday, April 5. 

Tips for Drivers: 

• Slow down and eliminate distractions when you are in a construction zone. 
• Plan ahead, leave early, and consider an alternate route.