Western Avenue is a key roadway connecting the City of Hartford to the greater Sioux Falls area. Originally a Minnehaha County Highway, it was transferred to Hartford as it grew. As traffic on Western Avenue has increased, it is nearing capacity during peak hours.

In 2018, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began studying the Interstate 90 Exit 387 interchange, determining that the interchange, ramps, and bridge should be replaced to accommodate growing traffic and prevent bridge strikes. To minimize disruption, Hartford planned to reconstruct Western Avenue alongside the SDDOT project, reducing the construction timeline to one year.

Project Overview

Western Avenue is currently a two-lane rural road with high speeds, ditches for stormwater, and limited pedestrian access. ISG, Hartford’s City Engineer, conducted a traffic study in 2022 showing the current layout will not support future traffic growth. After review and approval by the City Council, Western Avenue was planned to be redesigned as a three-lane urban road with curb and gutter, storm sewer, a sidewalk, and a shared use path, including dedicated turn lanes at key intersections.

Construction

The SDDOT and City of Hartford awarded the project to D & G Concrete Construction. Construction will begin in late April 2025, with a planned completion by November 2025 and anticipated project closeout in spring 2026, weather permitting. Traffic will be impacted, but the goal is to keep Western Avenue open to passenger cars as much as possible.

Construction will start north of Mickelson Road and proceed toward the interstate in phases, with temporary asphalt and detour routes to maintain traffic. Markers and control points will be present; please do not disturb them. For safety, keep children and pets away from the work area, as heavy machinery will be used. Work may occur outside normal hours.

Please see the SDDOT project page for more information:

https://dot.sd.gov/projects-studies/construction-projects/interstate-90-exit-387-hartford

Project Updates

April 15, 2025

Western Avenue Construction will begin on Monday April 21st. Phase 1 construction extends from Opal Lane through Jennifer Drive. This section of roadway will be closed to thru traffic and detour routes will be established. Passenger car traffic will be routed along South Street, Main Avenue, Cressman Trail and Opal Street while truck traffic will be detoured along Interstate 90 and Highway 38. Business access will be maintained utilizing existing approaches.