SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Residents and commuters in South Dakota’s largest urban center are gearing up for a significant infrastructure project that reflects the state’s commitment to maintaining safe and effective transportation systems. On Monday, June 22, 2026, the 49th Street Bridge over Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls will close for a comprehensive rehabilitation project. This closure, set between Terry Avenue and Solberg Avenue, is scheduled to last for approximately 50 working days, or around 10 weeks.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), which has a mission to efficiently provide a safe and effective public transportation system, aims to enhance one of its vital infrastructures with this project. South Dakota, known for its sprawling landscapes and robust highway systems, understands the importance of reliable transportation networks. This project is part of a broader initiative to ensure that Sioux Falls continues to serve as a crucial hub for economic activity, given its strategic location at the intersection of major highways including I-29.
The rehabilitation of the 49th Street Bridge includes extensive bridge deck repairs, retrofitting of concrete barriers, repairs to joints and approach slabs, installation of new pedestrian railing, and fresh pavement markings. This comprehensive makeover underscores the importance of the bridge, ensuring its longevity and safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
Although there will not be an official detour during the bridge closure, the SDDOT advises motorists to take alternative routes. Meanwhile, pedestrian traffic will be accommodated through careful redirection to opposite sides of 49th Street as construction progresses, ensuring continued access to this vital corridor in Sioux Falls.
The impact on daily commuters and the broader Sioux Falls population is expected to be significant. However, the Journey Group Companies of Sioux Falls, the appointed prime contractor for this $1.17 million project, assures the public of their commitment to completing the project efficiently and within the stipulated timeline, aiming for completion by Friday, October 23, 2026.
For local residents and travelers who wish to stay updated on this project and others like it, the SDDOT offers the Sioux Falls Metro (SFMETRO) text-in notification service. Subscribing to this service is an easy way for the community to receive timely updates about road developments, ensuring informed travel decisions. Subscribers can join this service by texting SFMETRO to 605-566-4041 at no cost and can opt-out at any time.
The SDDOT’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure does not just benefit Sioux Falls, but the entire state of South Dakota. As a region growing in population and economic output, ensuring safe and reliable transportation means supporting the state’s burgeoning industries and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Michael Noonan, the Project Engineer, can be contacted for more information at . For continuous updates, visit the SDDOT website at https://dot.sd.gov/sfmetro. For the latest on road and weather conditions, road closures, construction work zones, commercial vehicle restrictions, and traffic incidents, travelers can visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.
As South Dakota continues to grow, projects like the 49th Street Bridge rehabilitation are vital to how the state manages its infrastructure needs. Residents of Sioux Falls and the broader populace of South Dakota can look forward to improved safety and transportation efficiency once the project is completed, further solidifying Sioux Falls’ role as a key economic and cultural hub in the region.
For South Dakotans and transport professionals alike, this project is a pivotal example of forward-thinking infrastructure development critical for future growth and sustainability.