Benson Road Project
The SDDOT in cooperation with the City of Sioux Falls has initiated studies in preparation for improvements at I-229 and Benson Road. With developments planned in this area, segments of Benson Road - including the interchange - need additional capacity. This capacity will be provided by adding additional lanes on Benson Road and reconfiguring the interchange to better serve the projected traffic volumes.
The Study Area
The study area for the project in terms of transportation planning is from Rice Street to I-90 along I-229. The arterial corridors of Benson Road and Rice Street will also be evaluated to the future year of 2045. This study area was selected to make appropriate decisions related to future traffic needs based on proposed developments and land use. Build alternatives will be created for the Benson Road corridor and Benson Road Interchange. The final limits of construction have not been determined, things we learn over the course of these studies will help us determine those limits.
Study Area
2-Lane Northeast Quadrant Loop with 3-Lane SB On-ramp
2-Lane Northeast Quadrant Loop with 2-Lane SB On-Ramp
Diverging Diamond Interchange
About the Study
In 2013, the SDDOT and City of Sioux Falls began looking at the I-229 Corridor from just east of I-29 north to just south of I-90. This study reviewed at a high level future traffic volumes, safety, conceptual options, environmental impacts, arterial needs, and pedestrian connectivity. In 2017, the study was finalized and recommended that improvements to Benson Road and I-229 should be a high priority to implement.
For that reason, the SDDOT and City of Sioux Falls selected through a competitive process HDR to complete an Interchange Modification Justification Report (IMJR) and Environmental Documentation to support construction of a preferred alternative. Although several very good conceptual options have been evaluated, it is the purpose of this project to select one preferred alternative that meets the projects needs while minimizing environmental impacts.
Once the preferred alternative has been selected, HDR will begin design in preparation of construction in 2023 (tentatively).
