Codington County Reviews Five-Year Highway Plan, Eyes Bridge Projects and Road Repairs

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - At Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Codington County Commissioners held a public discussion on the county’s five-year highway and transportation plan, led by Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey.

While no significant changes were introduced, several projects were rescheduled due to inspection results, weather impacts, and grant funding timelines.

Falvey noted that the plan, developed in partnership with Banner Engineering and First District, includes ongoing bridge inspections and road evaluations. One of the county’s significant accomplishments this past year was the completion of the County Road 20-4 bridge. The bridge just south of that, located on 177th Street, has now been bumped to 2030 due to funding and scheduling constraints.

Additional updates include:

·        Replacement work on the bridge along County Road 7-5, with potential resurfacing due to ice damage and heavy haul traffic

·        A proposed two-inch mill and overlay for County Road 11-4 (also known as North Highway 81), which has experienced rutting from industrial use

·        Several projects marked with green diamonds on the county’s map have been delayed by one year due to budget and grant cycles

Commissioners also discussed the 14th Avenue North Bridge, which is slated to begin construction as early as mid-October, weather permitting. The project is expected to finish in 2026.

During construction, traffic will be rerouted to 10th Street, with truck traffic directed further south. Commissioners acknowledged the challenges of navigating Highway 20 from 10th Street, especially during peak morning hours.

The five-year plan is scheduled for formal adoption at the meeting on October 7, 2025.