HWY 27 PROJECT PLANNED FOR 2028

    About 30 people attended a public meeting last week to hear details on upcoming improvements to South Dakota Highway 27 between Britton and Langford.
    Officials with the South Dakota Department of Transportation outlined plans for two structure replacement and grading projects located several miles south of Britton. Both areas were identified as needing updates due to aging infrastructure and drainage concerns, and the two projects are expected to be worked on simultaneously.
    The southern project site, located about nine miles south of Britton, involves replacing a structure originally built in 1981. Officials said the structure has reached the end of its useful life and current vertical curves do not meet modern design standards. It will be replaced with a reinforced concrete box culvert, along with grading improvements.
    The northern project, about six miles south of Britton, includes replacement of a structure first installed in 1977. DOT officials said the site has experienced channel degradation and inlet and outlet issues, prompting the need for a larger replacement structure.
    Construction is expected to take place over one construction season, likely extending into the harvest period. Plans call for a full road closure at the southern site, while traffic at the northern site will be diverted around the work zone.
    Regional detours are expected to route traffic to Highways 37 and 10, as well as Interstate 29. Local traffic will be directed to county roads east of the project area. DOT officials said measures such as signage will be used to guide drivers, though they acknowledged some may still attempt to use alternate routes.
    Concerns about increased traffic on gravel roads were raised during the meeting. Officials said dust control and regular maintenance, including blading, will be provided, and roads will be restored to their original condition following construction.
    Access to the Marshall County Sportsman’s Club will be maintained throughout the project, according to DOT representatives.
    The project is currently in the planning stages. Landowner meetings are expected to take place later this summer to address topics such as driveway access, fencing, drainage, trees and potential temporary easements or right-of-way needs.
    According to the tentative timeline, final design work will continue through 2027, with right-of-way acquisition planned for that year. Construction could begin as early as 2028.
    DOT officials encouraged residents to submit comments on the project. Written comments will be accepted through May 1, 2026.
    Comments or questions can be directed to David Burwitz, PE, 5316 West 60th St. N., Sioux Falls, SD 57107-6464, or by email at [email protected]. Additional project details, including presentation materials, are available on the South Dakota DOT website at https://dot.sd.gov/projects-studies/projects/public-meetings/.