Construction Update as of Wednesday, November 27, 2024:
Phase 1 Construction Updates

• Phase 1 construction activities (from the Pennington-Lawrence County line to Pactola Dam) are nearing completion for U.S. Highway 385.
• Final surfacing of Phase 1 will take place in summer 2025.
• Through the winter, the roadway will mostly be a hard, packed surface with a short section of gravel near the north end of the project area.
• The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) and the contractor are prepared to provide snow removal operations within the construction area should winter weather arrive while construction is ongoing.

Phase 2 Construction Updates

• Phase 2 (from the south end of Pactola Dam to Calumet Road) pre-construction activities have begun. Pre-construction activities include tree clearing near the roadway, construction of diversions, and off-road grading. The contractor is utilizing a pilot car and flaggers as needed.
• The Sheridan Lake Fishing Pier located off Highway 385 will be closed Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, through Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, while tree clearing takes place across the roadway.

As of Friday, Nov. 15, 2024

Current Conditions

• The contractor is continuing to work from two miles north of S.D. Highway 44 to the Lawrence-Pennington County line as weather allows.
• Users of the roadway can expect delays of approximately 15 minutes and the use of flaggers from two miles north of Highway 44 to the Pennington-Lawrence County line.
• The speed limit has been reduced through the construction area.
• The contractor is applying water to the gravel roadway to control dust as needed.
• The contractor is working Saturdays as is necessary.

Coming Up

• South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) and the contractor are prepared to provide snow removal operations within the construction area should winter weather arrive while construction is ongoing.
• Throughout the winter, the roadway from the Pennington-Lawrence County line to two miles to the south will be a hard, packed gravel.
• Phase 2 (south end of Pactola Dam to Calumet Road) pre-construction activities have begun. Pre-construction activities include tree clearing near the roadway, construction of diversions, and off-road grading.
• A pre-construction informational meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. The meeting will take place at Rimrock Church (12200 S.D. Highway 44 Rapid City, SD 57702) and will focus on Phase 2 construction activities taking place in 2025 and 2026.

Construction Update (7/12/2024): As of Friday, July 12, 2024, U.S. Highway 385 from S.D. Highway 44 to the Pactola Dam is open to traffic. There will be no more scheduled road closures for the remainder of 2024 on this project.

Motorists should be aware that while Highway 385 is open, the speed limit has been reduced in the construction area. The section of roadway between the Pennington-Lawrence County line to the north end of the Pactola Dam will be a gravel surface until surfacing is completed in late 2025.

Users of the roadway can expect delays of approximately 15 minutes with the use of flaggers from the Pactola Dam to one-half mile north of Silver City Road.

Motorists are reminded that while the project is ongoing, they are still able to easily utilize area highways to access Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and other attractions across the Black Hills.

Highway 385 Construction – The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is reconstructing a portion of U.S. Highway 385 between the Pennington-Lawrence county line and the south end of Sheridan Lake. Once completed, this section of U.S. Highway 385 will feature safety improvements, including wider shoulders on each side of the road where possible, improved road curves to meet current design standards, additional turning lanes to improve traffic flow, and new surfacing. Learn more about 385 construction below.

Alternative Routes

Don’t let something as common place as road construction derail your vacation! Highway 385 is a popular route between Deadwood and the central and southern Black Hills. However, many other options are available that add minimal travel time to your itinerary while offering scenic overlooks and historic points of interest along the way. The map below details some of these hidden gems. Other suggested options on your “Route Reimagined” are available through Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association.

Visit www.us-385.com for detailed construction timelines and detour information. The SDDOT releases road condition updates regularly HERE.

Businesses are open on 385 – Click for more information
Tomahawk Country Club
Deadwood Outdoor Rentals
Steel Wheel Campground & Trading Post
Fish N Fry Campground
Mystic Hills Hideaway – Cabins, Camping and UTV Rentals
Custer Crossing Family Campground

385 Construction Alternative Routes Map

(click for larger PDF file)