Monday, April 28, 2025
U.S. Highway 385, once a tranquil route along the scenic western shore of Sheridan Lake in the Black Hills, has now become a bustling construction zone. For the second year in a row, travelers and residents are experiencing delays, detours, and occasional road closures as work continues on a significant highway improvement project. This endeavor is part of a larger $72 million initiative aimed at widening and straightening a 15-mile stretch of the highway, a crucial north-south artery through the region. What was once a peaceful drive through picturesque landscapes is now a noisy and disrupted route, with flaggers and pilot cars managing one-way traffic over rough, gravelly surfaces.
The three-year construction project has caused considerable disruptions, and further closures are expected in the coming months. The next phase of work will bring several planned closures, including a 50-mile detour that will redirect drivers back to Rapid City. These disruptions are part of an ambitious effort to improve U.S. 385, which not only serves daily commuters but also connects visitors to some of the Black Hills’ most iconic destinations. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has worked to keep travelers updated with regular notifications and text alerts about the project’s progress.
U.S. 385 plays a vital role in connecting Deadwood, a well-known gambling town, to popular attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and the Pactola and Sheridan lakes. These landmarks are a major contributor to the region’s $2 billion tourism industry, and convenient access is essential to maintaining a steady flow of visitors. The highway’s narrow shoulders, sharp inclines, and challenging terrain have raised serious safety concerns. Between 2018 and 2022, there were 187 accidents along this stretch, resulting in four fatalities and 57 injuries. Most of these accidents involved vehicles veering off the road, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure.
In response to these safety concerns, the project aims to widen the road shoulders, smooth out sharp curves, and add new turn lanes to enhance safety. Crews are clearing trees and blasting rock to create space for the expanded road. The first full closure is scheduled for April 28, 2025, between Be Still Road and Calumet Road, which will last for approximately six weeks. Additional closures are expected later in 2025, including one from August to September and another from October 2025 to March 2026. The highway will remain open during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with all lanes operational from July 30 to August 11, 2025, to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Construction is also impacting recreational areas in the Black Hills National Forest. The Pactola Visitor Center will be closed throughout the summer, and the popular fishing pier at Sheridan Lake will be inaccessible from April 21 to June 13, 2025. These closures, combined with the ongoing roadwork, will make accessing certain areas more challenging, potentially affecting businesses located near the construction zone.
Despite these disruptions, local businesses remain open and are adjusting to the changes. Business owners have called for clearer signage to help tourists navigate the detours and reach their destinations, especially local attractions and marinas. Despite the inconvenience, many business owners have reported that their operations have not been significantly impacted, with visitors still finding ways to enjoy the area.
Interestingly, the region saw a 2.8% increase in tourism revenue in 2024, compared to the previous year, despite the ongoing construction. Tourism leaders attribute this success to the efforts of the SDDOT, local tourism groups, and media outlets, who have kept the public well-informed about the project’s progress and how to navigate the affected areas.
Looking ahead, tourism officials are encouraging visitors to plan their trips in advance and explore the region’s alternative scenic routes. “While construction may cause some delays, the Black Hills offer plenty of other breathtaking routes for travelers to discover,” said one tourism official. “We encourage everyone to be patient, plan ahead, and still make the most of the incredible beauty our area has to offer.”
Though the construction may cause temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits of the project will vastly improve safety, access, and the overall travel experience for visitors. Once completed, U.S. 385 will be safer, more accessible, and more reliable, enhancing both the local infrastructure and the tourism experience. This project, despite the short-term challenges, is a crucial investment in the region’s future, ensuring that the Black Hills remain a top destination for travelers for years to come.
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