U.S. 385 reconstruction preparing to enter phase two [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – U.S. Highway 385 saw significant construction near Pactola Reservoir in 2024, and a second stretch of the highway will have closures and delays in 2025.

Representatives from the South Dakota Department of Transportation, HDR Engineering and the U.S. Forest Service hosted a public meeting Thursday night to inform affected commuters about what they can expect for ‘phase two’ of the project. Dozens of people stopped by RimRock church, including homeowners and business owners, along the stretch from Calumet Road to the Pactola Dam.

Another group affected by the construction is first responders. Pennington County Fire Administrator Jerome Harvey also stopped by the meeting to coordinate future plans and help fire departments nearby.

“We’re making sure that our response plan fits accordingly with what their plan is so our firefighters have the appropriate information for their responses,” Harvey said.

According to Harvey, some fire departments’ response boundaries may see slight changes. This occurred in phase one, and …