Highway 25 Closure: Nine-Mile Project Near Henry to Begin April 1

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Drivers in Northeast South Dakota should prepare for significant travel changes as a major road improvement project begins next week. Starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, a nine-mile grading and interim surfacing project will commence on S.D. Highway 25 west of Henry.

The work zone will stretch from the intersection of U.S. Highway 212 north to 164th Street.

Traffic Detours and Closures

Due to the scope of the project, Highway 25 will be fully closed to through traffic. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has established the following detour routes to minimize disruption:

·         For Trucks: A detour route is provided along U.S. Highway 212 and S.D. Highway 20.

·         For Cars: A separate route is available via Highway 212, Codington County Road 27 (437th Avenue), and Highway 20.

While the road is closed to through traffic, local residents and business owners will still be able to reach their properties. The SDDOT confirmed that temporary access will be maintained from the nearest mile line road throughout the construction period.

Project Scope and Timeline

John Riley Construction, based out of Morris, MN, is the prime contractor for this $7.5 million infrastructure investment. The project aims to improve the safety and efficiency of this nine-mile stretch through comprehensive grading and surfacing work.

Motorists should plan for these detours to remain in place through the summer and fall, with the overall project scheduled for completion on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026.

Stay Informed

To stay updated on this project and other road conditions across the state:

·         Visit: sd511.org 

·         Call: Dial 511 for real-time traffic and construction updates.