Sioux Falls Commute Times Lengthen As Construction Hits Minnesota Avenue

Sioux Falls drivers, here's a new excuse you can use if you happen to be a few minutes late this week. Several construction projects are kicking off around town, and they’re about to make parts of your daily drive feel like a slow-motion parade instead of a morning commute.

Beginning Monday, March 2, intermittent lane closures will pop up along North Minnesota Avenue. According to Dakota News Now, crews will be installing temporary traffic signals at West Second Street and West Sixth Street to prepare for a larger street and utility reconstruction project. Translation: expect orange cones, flashing lights, and the sudden urge to become highly impatient at stoplights.

Things tighten up even more starting Monday, March 9, when traffic on the east side of Minnesota Avenue will be reduced to just one lane in each direction. Access to side streets within the construction zone will also be limited, so if you normally rely on a favorite shortcut, now might be the time to start coming up with Plan B.

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Pedestrians aren’t getting a free pass either. The east sidewalk on South Minnesota Avenue between West 33rd and West 31st Streets will be closed, with foot traffic detoured east to South Dakota Avenue. Construction in that area is expected to last through the end of April, just in time for spring… and hopefully smoother pavement.

Meanwhile, beginning Tuesday, March 3 at 8:30 AM, drivers on South Marion Road between West 25th Street and Lake Shore Boulevard should prepare for slowdowns due to outside lane closures in both directions. Xcel Energy crews will also close the west sidewalk between West Berkshire Boulevard and West 26th Street. The good news: that project is expected to wrap up by Thursday, March 5.

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Officials are urging motorists to slow down, stay alert, and consider alternate routes whenever possible. In other words, put on your patience pants, everybody: the official start of the Sioux Falls construction season is ramping up.