Bridge Project Ahead of Schedule as Highway Department Prepares for Spring Thaw

"Road closed due to ongoing construction work, as indicated by the barricade sign and safety warnings in the area."

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey shared a positive progress report with the Codington County Commissioners regarding major infrastructure projects and seasonal road maintenance.

The 14th Avenue bridge project, handled by Grangaard Construction Inc., is officially continuing ahead of schedule. Falvey reported that concrete work is progressing smoothly, with the east piers complete and the sheet piles removed.

“Everything is moving along... a lot of riprap has been placed already, so we should be in good shape come spring,” Falvey said.

However, the transition into spring brings concerns for road durability. Falvey warned the board that with the recent warm weather, frost is beginning to leave the ground, causing “seepage” on various routes. He indicated that load limits may be posted as early as late this week or the beginning of next week to protect the road beds.

Falvey also issued a specific safety warning regarding a railroad crossing on County Road 6 by the Country Road Barn.

“That railroad track right on the west side of the country barn out there is very rough,” Falvey noted. “We did put up additional signage out there just to get people to slow down. We posted it at 15 miles per hour.”

In other department news, the Highway Shop is moving into phase two of its Truck Storage upgrade project. Initial architectural and engineering drawings are complete, and the department is currently awaiting updated cost estimates.