The South Dakota Department of Transportation study of the Platte-Winner Bridge has proceeded through environmental studies this spring. Among SDDOT’s major bridges, the Highway 44 Platte-Winner bridge has been determined to be a top priority for replacement, with construction of a new bridge currently scheduled for the mid-2020s time frame. Ongoing studies of the bridge and coordination with project partners are focused on identification of a preferred alternative for a new bridge type and location.
SDDOT is committed to maintaining traffic on this regionally-important bridge during construction. This means the new bridge will have to be built in a new location so the existing bridge can remain open during construction of the replacement structure.
To understand the wide range of potential impacts of the proposed project and document the decision-making process for a new bridge, SDDOT is preparing an Environmental Assessment. Results from these ongoing agency coordination efforts will be instrumental in the determination of a preferred alternative for this project. When SDDOT makes the decision (expected later this year), the EA will be published and shared online and at public meetings for comment. Previous meeting information and studies of the Platte-Winner Bridge can be found on the project website, www.sd44bridge.com.
