Easter roadwork in SF: plan your routes now

Major Sioux Falls Infrastructure Projects Launch, Prompting Easter Weekend Detours

As the spring thaw accelerates, crews in Sioux Falls are launching several significant street projects that will disrupt traffic patterns, including during the upcoming holiday weekend. The work, focused on critical repairs and long-term improvements, requires drivers to plan for closures and detours.

Key Project: 12th Street Bridge Rehabilitation

A major closure is now in effect for the 12th Street bridge over the Big Sioux River, just east of the intersection with Cliff Avenue. This rehabilitation project, a substantial undertaking to address the aging structure, will keep the bridge completely shut down to all traffic for an estimated four months. City engineers emphasize that this full closure is necessary to complete the work efficiently and safely, but it will undoubtedly create a significant detour route for daily commuters and commercial traffic.

Local residents and businesses in the immediate area will maintain access, but through traffic is being redirected. The official detour routes utilize 10th Street to the south and Rice Street to the north. Drivers are strongly encouraged to use these marked detours to avoid congestion in residential neighborhoods.

Additional Roadwork Starting Soon

Beyond the bridge project, other infrastructure work is set to begin. Starting Monday, April 1st, a milling and paving operation will commence on South Kiwanis Avenue, stretching from 26th Street to 41st Street. This work will be performed in stages, with lane closures expected during daytime hours. Drivers should anticipate slowdowns and consider alternative routes like Minnesota Avenue or Western Avenue.

Furthermore, a concrete repair project is scheduled for the intersection of 57th Street and Sycamore Avenue. While this work is not expected to cause a full intersection closure, lane restrictions will be in place, potentially creating backups during peak travel times.

Navigating the Easter Holiday

With Easter Sunday approaching, the city confirms that construction zones will be inactive for the holiday. No work will take place on Sunday, allowing for unimpeded travel to holiday gatherings. However, all existing barricades, closure signs, and traffic patterns will remain in place. The 12th Street bridge, for example, will still be closed, so holiday travelers must remember to follow the posted detours.

Officials urge patience and caution from all motorists. “We know construction is an inconvenience, but this work is vital for maintaining and improving our city’s infrastructure,” said a city public works manager in a statement to BNN. “We ask drivers to slow down, obey all signage, and stay alert in work zones for everyone’s safety.”

What do you think?

• Should cities impose stricter deadlines or financial penalties on contractors to minimize the duration of major road closures?


• Is the four-month full closure of the 12th Street bridge justified, or should officials always find a way to maintain partial access for local traffic?


• With infrastructure needs growing, would you support a temporary tax increase specifically dedicated to accelerating road and bridge repairs in your community?


• Do large-scale summer construction projects affect your decision to visit or host events in a city, impacting local businesses?