Watertown City Council Approves South Bypass Curve Safety Project Near Sentry

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council voted unanimously Nov. 2 to approve an agreement with the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) for a roadway safety improvement project along the curve on the South Bypass and authorized City Manager Alan Stager to execute all required documents.

Project Location and 90/10 Cost-Share Breakdown

City Engineer Justin Petersen told the council that SDDOT conducts a statewide resurfacing program focused on traffic safety at locations requiring additional roadway traction. SDDOT notified the city that the curve on the South Bypass in the area of 20th Avenue Southeast and 29th Street Southeast—near Sentry—qualified for the high-friction surface treatment project.

Under the agreement, SDDOT will cover 90 percent of the total $182,525 estimated project cost, while the City of Watertown will pay a 10 percent local match estimated at approximately $18,000 ($18,252.50). Final costs will be determined by actual bid prices and installed quantities.

Council Discussion and Budget Source

During council discussion, Heuer voiced brief support for completing the safety upgrade.

"Fix the road, check it off the list. Well done," Heuer said.

Schutte asked how the city funds its share of a mid-cycle project addition that was not specifically itemized in the prior year's budget. It was explained that the approximately $18,000 local match will be funded through the city's existing street improvement and mill-and-overlay budget.