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
July 8, 2025
Phase 1 roadway paving is complete. The roadway will be opened to traffic on Thursday, July 10, and construction of Phase 2 will begin.
Installation of concrete walks, trails, and driveway will occur within the phase 1 boundary. Cones will be set up to provide crews adequate space to work along the roadway. Two-way traffic will be maintained on the new roadway while walk and trail construction is underway.
Phase 2 construction will happen between Opal Lane and Diamond Trail. No traffic will be permitted along Western Avenue between these streets. Please see the phase 2 detour route map below.
June 27, 2025
Paving has begun! The curb and gutter and turn lanes have been paved. Mickelson Road paving is shown in the photos below. Once Mickelson Road is completed, mainline pavement along Western Avenue will be placed. Phase 1 paving is anticipated to be completed by July 4.
To allow adequate time for cleanup and concrete curing, phase 2 construction and the traffic shift will not occur until mid-July.
June 18, 2025
The roadway is taking shape! Following a couple weeks of rain and roadbed shaping, the aggregate base is being placed and compacted. Once the base has been graded, pavement will be placed. The contractor will begin paving the curb and gutter, then the turn lanes, and lastly the mainline pavement.
Once the pavement cures (hardens), traffic will be switched over and phase 2 will begin.
May 19, 2025
Sanitary sewer and water main extension along Mickelson Road is complete. Installation of storm sewer pipe and construction of storm sewer structures is ongoing as the weather allows. Earthwork will follow the completion of the storm sewer and is anticipated to begin later this week.
May 1, 2025
Construction has begun! Western Avenue north of Opal Lane has been removed and utility installation is underway. Once water and sanitary sewer installation is complete, storm sewer will be installed. Weather dependent, utility installation is anticipated to be complete May 9th. Upon utility completion, the roadway will be graded and widened prior to paving.
Traffic is being monitored along Western Avenue and the detour route. As necessary, barricades or delineators may be added or moved to maintain a reasonable level of traffic in and around the construction area.
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.
