The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for the $290 million Platte-Winner Bridge project.
The project will replace the 60-year-old bridge with a 36-feet-wide bridge. The current bridge is 28 feet wide. The existing bridge will remain open during construction, and motorists should expect occasional, temporary travel impacts. It will be demolished after the new bridge is complete.
Work began on Oct. 3. Crews will set up traffic control, mobilize equipment, and begin constructing the docks that will be used for barges for the remainder of October. Bridge construction will begin early next year and is expected to be completed in 2031.
“With a 100-year service life, this bridge is a responsible investment in South Dakota’s transportation infrastructure,” Gov. Larry Rhoden said at the ceremony. “I am confident it will strengthen our economy and reinforce connections across our state and nation.”
Without the bridge, motorists would need to travel 81 miles to cross the Missouri River.
Other guests included SDDOT Secretary Joel Jundt, Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster, U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), transportation commissioners and city officials.
Local high school bands performed at the groundbreaking.