How Sioux Falls Plans To Slow Drivers On 10th Street

Traffic in downtown Sioux Falls can at times feel like it's competing in the Indy 500, especially if you're trying to cross the street on foot. To combat that issue, the city is testing a new approach that hopes to slow things down without bringing downtown traffic to a standstill.

Sioux Falls has officially launched a Traffic-Calming Pilot Project along 10th Street, a month-long experiment designed to see if a few simple changes can make downtown safer, more inviting, and more enjoyable for everyone.

According to Pigeon 605, the project uses a combination of large planters and reflective delineators to temporarily reconfigure portions of 10th Street. The changes will be installed in select street parking spaces on both the north and south sides of the street, allowing city officials to study how drivers react and whether the modifications improve traffic safety.

The pilot is part of a broader effort to enhance the downtown Sioux Falls experience, whether you're driving to work, grabbing lunch, riding your bike, or simply strolling through one of the city's busiest districts.

Throughout the next month, the city will monitor vehicle speeds and traffic volume before, during, and after the project. Officials hope the data will show that drivers naturally reduce their speed while maintaining a healthy flow of traffic.

The project also includes several other proven traffic-calming techniques designed to make streets feel safer without adding stop signs or traffic signals. These include curb extensions, also known as bump-outs, gentle roadway curves called chicanes, and visual improvements such as landscaping, public art, and street furniture that encourage motorists to slow down.

Here's another cool aspect of the project: Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. is adding a community-focused twist by bringing in a rotating lineup of local food trucks throughout the project. According to Pigeon 605, food trucks will be serving visitors and downtown employees during lunch from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, along with select evening events from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

To make the area even more inviting, picnic tables will be placed on the nearby green space next to the mural, creating a place where people can relax, enjoy lunch, and spend a little extra time downtown. It's another way city leaders hope to encourage people to experience downtown Sioux Falls beyond simply driving through it.

As Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc., told Pigeon 605, "This project is about more than traffic; it's about shaping the future of how people experience downtown Sioux Falls."

The goal isn't to discourage people from coming downtown; it's to make the area safer and more comfortable for everyone while continuing to support local businesses, restaurants, and attractions.

The temporary planters and barriers will remain in place through August 7, after which they'll be removed, and the city will review the collected traffic data. Officials plan to share the results with Downtown Sioux Falls leaders to help determine whether similar traffic-calming measures could become part of the city's long-term plans.