SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Now’s the time to prepare for traffic changes along a busy school route.
“We’re optimistic that we can hopefully get an early start on some of our projects,” Andy Berg, city engineer with the city of Sioux Falls, said.
Although the city of Sioux Falls says that construction season begins in May, the city will spring ahead on some of its major road projects- all thanks to warm, dry weather conditions.
“The weather has been very cooperative, as far as construction goes,” Berg said.
Here’s one project to keep an eye on: the Cliff Avenue and I-229 interchange, right next to Lincoln High School. According to city staff, the project will fully reconstruct the interchange from 38th Street to the entrance of Spencer park, as well as realign with 41st Street with the entrance of the school.
City staff say construction will begin early April.
“That’s generally a little ahead of schedule,” Berg said. “Our asphalt plants, historically, have opened early May. They’re looking to open early April.”
With this early start, city staff hope to complete the project by November, with weather permitting.
Traffic impacts
“Road construction in the area will certainly bring improvements but during this time, we would like to both remind and encourage all drivers to slow down and remain patient as work progresses,” Carly Uthe, Sioux Falls School District communications strategist, said.
Here’s some traffic changes you can expect near the school from April to November of 2025, according to city staff:
- For the rest of the school year: Cliff Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
- During the summer (no school): Cliff Ave. will be fully closed.
- At the start of school in fall: Cliff Ave. will reopen, only for one-lane traffic.
“While there may be occasional delays on Cliff Avenue, the most significant disruptions will take place during the summer when school is not in session,” Uthe said.
City staff expect other important traffic changes during construction:
- I-229 will enforce two-lane traffic in each direction throughout construction.
- In 2025: southbound on/off ramps will close, but northbound on/off ramps will stay open.
- In 2026: northbound on/off ramps will close, but southbound on/off ramps will stay open.
Other project details
According to city staff, construction crews will work on grading, concrete surfacing, signing, street lighting, and traffic signals, as well as improving underground utility and creating two pedestrian underpasses.
City staff hope to substantially complete the project in the fall of 2026. This means that the road will most likely be completed but it might need touchups that don’t impact traffic, Berg explained.
If you’d like to learn more about the Cliff Ave. & I-229 interchange project, there will be a public open house at Lincoln High School from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9.
All city construction projects can be found on its website, including a list of impacted neighborhoods and schedules.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation partnered with the city of Sioux Falls for this project.
