SDDOT seeks public input
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT), in collaboration with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Federal Highway Administration, is conducting an online public meeting to inform area residents of the beginning of an environmental study of the Highway 212/Forest City Bridge west of Gettysburg.
The study will analyze the existing bridge, determine the potential locations for a replacement bridge, and designate a preferred option. The option to leave the bridge in its current location will be included in the analysis. The proposed project is tentatively planned for construction to begin in FY 2029.
According to the DOT, the existing bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1958, has been heavily impacted by landslides. The south approach of the existing bridge is affected by current active landslides, which have resulted in millions of dollars in repair and mitigation expenses.
The corridor being studied includes U.S. Highway 212 from the junction with BIA Highway 8 to the junction with S.D. Highway 1804. The study area is approximately 96 square miles.
Due to limitations on public gatherings recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, the SDDOT is posting information to the study website rather than presenting documents at an in-person public meeting. Members of the public may submit questions or comments through the study website (https://www.us212forestcity.com/) or by contacting one of the project representatives via email or phone. Public comment will be taken until July 2.
For more information, contact Steve Gramm, DOT Planning Engineer, at 605-773-6641 or by email at steve.gramm@state.sd.us.
A notice on page 16 provides more detail on the public comment process.