Watertown City Council to Consider $182,525 South Bypass Curve Safety Project for 2027
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council will consider approving a joint powers agreement with the South Dakota Department of Transportation on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, to resurface the curve on 20th Avenue Southeast—commonly known as the South Bypass—with a high-friction surface treatment in 2027.
According to an agenda memo from City Manager Alan Stager, the curve on 20th Avenue Southeast is eligible for resurfacing under a statewide Roadway Safety Improvement project. The total estimated cost of the project is $182,525.03, with the city responsible for a 10 percent local match of $18,252.50.
Project Location and High-Friction Surface Treatment
Identified as South Dakota Federal Aid Construction Project No. PH 00SW(120) PCN 07AK, the safety improvement covers all lanes along a 0.227-mile (approximately 1,200-foot) segment at the corner of 20th Avenue Southeast where it intersects with 457th Avenue and 29th Street Southeast across from Sentry.
Project documents estimate the safety benefit of the high-friction surface treatment along the curve at $752,000.00.
Cost Share and Project Responsibilities
Under the joint powers maintenance, encroachment, and financial agreement, the project is funded through a 90-10 split based on actual bid amounts and final quantities:
· State and Federal Share (90 percent): $164,272.53, funded through a combination of state funds and federal Roadway Safety Improvement funding.
· City of Watertown Share (10 percent): $18,252.50, billed periodically to the city as work is completed and accepted. City staff has requested budgeting $20,000.00 for the project under the Street Improvements account (Account No. 212-43180-43700).
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will hire a consultant to design the project to state standards and will handle plan review, bidding, contract award, inspection, and construction engineering. Prior to the contract letting, the city is responsible for certifying at least 60 days in advance that any necessary right-of-way acquisitions, utility relocations, and encroachment removals have been completed. Once construction is finished, the city retains continuing jurisdiction and maintenance responsibility for the roadway.
