City of Watertown Announces Lift Station Improvements; Traffic Delays Expected on North Lake Drive

City of Watertown to Enhance Lift Station Infrastructure; Anticipate Traffic Delays on North Lake Drive Due to Construction Activities.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The City of Watertown Public Works Department has announced the commencement of a lift station improvement project set to begin on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The infrastructure upgrades are expected to take approximately two weeks, with a scheduled completion date of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, pending favorable weather and site conditions.

The construction will focus on two primary areas near the city’s water infrastructure:

·         North Lake Drive: Near the intersection of Martin Street Northwest.

·         SD Highway 20: In the vicinity of 150 North Lake Drive.

Traffic control plan for Lift Station No. 4 highlights road work zones on Hwy 20, including signage for road work ahead and lane closure advisories.

Residents and commuters should prepare for significant changes to traffic patterns in these zones. According to the Engineering and Wastewater Division, North Lake Drive will be reduced to one lane of traffic between Lombard Street and Martin Street Northwest.

Additionally, drivers traveling on SD Highway 20 near 150 North Lake Drive will encounter a reduced westbound lane and diverted eastbound traffic.

Traffic control plan for Lift Station No. 5 showing road work signage, lane closures, and traffic drum placements.

Access and Safety Information

While the City aims to keep residences accessible throughout the project, officials noted that access to certain driveways may be limited at times during active construction. To ensure the safety of work crews and the efficiency of the project, the Public Works Department has issued the following guidelines for the public:

·         Parking: Motorists are strictly asked not to park on the street within the designated work areas.

·         Safety: Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, obey all posted traffic control devices, and follow the instructions of flaggers.

Questions? For more information regarding the Lift Station Improvement Project, citizens are encouraged to contact the City of Watertown Engineering Division at (605) 882-6202.

Aerial view of the North Lake Drive project area along SD Highway 20, highlighting the designated development zone adjacent to the lake.