Traffic Disruptions In Sioux Falls: What To Expect This May

Sioux Falls drivers, consider this your friendly warning: construction season is officially in the fast lane across the Sioux Empire, and orange cones are multiplying like rabbits.

Starting Monday, May 11, several new road projects are rolling out across Sioux Falls,
bringing lane closures, detours, and a few extra minutes to your daily commute. While it
may feel like every major street is under construction right now, city officials say the short-term inconvenience is all part of long-term improvements.

According to Dakota News Now, one of the biggest impacts this week is on South
Cleveland Avenue. Crews have shut down Cleveland between 22nd Street and 19th Street, with traffic detoured to South Bahnson Avenue from 26th Street to 18th Street. If all goes as planned, the road will reopen by the end of the day on May 26, assuming Mother Nature doesn’t have other plans.

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On the west side, 26th Street is also seeing disruptions. Westbound traffic is closed
between West Avenue and Garfield Avenue, and sidewalks between Garfield and Lincoln Avenue are temporarily out of service. Drivers will be rerouted to West 22nd Street, while pedestrians are being guided to the south sidewalk along 26th. The good news is this project is expected to wrap up quickly, by Monday, May 18.

Meanwhile, South Minnesota Avenue is adding even more cones to the mix. The outside northbound lane between La Quinta Circle and 69th Street is closed for concrete repairs. Crews hope to have that work completed within a week.

When it comes to construction, downtown Sioux Falls won't be denied either. On Tuesday, May 12, North Phillips Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets will close starting at 8:30 AM for hydrant repairs. The closure is expected to last just one day.

Also, if your travels take you south on Louise Avenue from the Empire Mall to 57th Street, I highly recommend you pack your patience pants; you will need them. That traffic line is longer than the line of cars that wraps around 7 Brew at any given time, if that's even possible.

As is the case with every one of these projects, drivers are encouraged to use caution and reduced speeds when traveling in and near the construction zones. It is a very good idea to consider alternate routes when possible to help speed up your commute times.