Construction of an updated and modernized Port of Entry (POE) facility is complete and operating at full capacity again (Dec. 13, 2023) in the eastbound lane of Interstate 90 at Tilford, South Dakota. The year-long project is a joint venture between the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) and the South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP).
The POE is the last of four in the state to receive technology and facility updates to improve efficiency in the inspection process.
Capt. Jon Stahl, SDHP District Four Commander, oversees the POE stations. “By working with the SDDOT, we were able to replace aging and outdated equipment with new technology,” Capt. Stahl said. “The new facility uses electronic pre-screening of trucks and an indoor inspection building to reduce down-time for drivers and gets them back on the road faster. The result is a safer highway for everyone.”
District Four of the SDHP oversees motor carriers entering South Dakota at four permanent ports of entry:
- Jefferson (I-29 MP 13);
- Sioux Falls (I-90 MP 412);
- Sisseton (I-29 MP 235); and
- Tilford (I-90 MP 39).
At each port, motor carrier inspectors ensure that the carrier’s paperwork, permits and necessary documents are in order. They also provide educational information to the public about motor carrier issues.
In addition, the district has mobile scale teams throughout the state responsible for roadside inspections to ensure all commercial vehicles on the road are safe. Troopers who specialize in motor carrier enforcement provide support to the mobile teams and ports of entry. They also travel the roadways conducting random roadside inspections of motor carriers.
Weather is not an issue when inspecting trucks in the indoor bay.
Courtesy photo.
A SDHP officer has the latest technology at his fingertips to ensure trucks on South Dakota roads are operating safely.
Courtesy photo.
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