Construction has officially begun on the second phase of the Minnesota Avenue Improvements Project in Sioux Falls, with crews starting work on Minnesota Avenue between 2nd Street and 8th Street.
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The project will involve replacing aging underground infrastructure while repaving the roadway above. City officials say the work is expected to take several months, and drivers are being asked to prepare for traffic disruptions during construction.
This stage marks the second phase of a long-term reconstruction project that began in spring 2022. The first phase covered Minnesota Avenue from Russell Street to 2nd Street, and officials say the overall effort will likely include four to five construction phases.
According to city engineers, much of the work will focus on upgrading critical underground infrastructure.
“Probably the bigger part of the project that a lot of people aren’t going to see when it’s all done but is really going to take the lion’s share of the time is all of the underground utility work that needs to be completed,” said Brad Ludens. “We have a sanitary sewer line, three different water main lines, and a storm drainage system that will be repaired and upsized and improved throughout the project corridor.”
The upgrades are intended to modernize aging infrastructure and improve drainage and water systems along one of the city’s busiest roadways.
During construction, Minnesota Avenue will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction, according to city officials.
Several nearby streets will also be temporarily closed as part of the early construction stages.
“Al of the side streets on the east side of Minnesota Avenue for the first phase of construction will be closed,” said Ludens. “We will have detour routes set up to access local businesses. In particular, the County Courthouse, Law Enforcement Center will be able to access from the east via either Dakota Avenue or Main Avenue. If you’re going south, you’ll be able to turn right into those businesses. If you’re going north, we’ll have a business detour route set up off of Spring Avenue.”
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Officials say detour routes have been planned to ensure continued access to nearby businesses and government facilities.
Minnesota Avenue is one of the most heavily traveled corridors in Sioux Falls, making infrastructure improvements critical to maintaining safe and efficient transportation in the city.
Work on the corridor is expected to continue until around June 2027, though city officials say the roadway could reopen to full traffic before that date while crews complete final cleanup and finishing touches.
The reconstruction project aims to improve roadway conditions, upgrade underground utilities and ensure the corridor can support traffic demands for decades to come.
Originally reported by Fiona Sullivan in Dakota News Now.
