Watertown City Council to Vote on Highway 212 Lighting Agreement for Safer West-Side Intersections
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Drivers traveling west of Watertown along U.S. Highway 212 will soon see improved nighttime visibility as the city prepares to finalize a major safety agreement with the state. On Monday night, the Watertown City Council is expected to vote on a formal Joint Powers Maintenance and Encroachment Agreement with the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) as part of its consent agenda.
The agreement paves the way for new roadway lighting across four key Highway 212 junctions: 42nd Street West, 54th Street West, 60th Street West, and 78th Street West.
State Pays for Construction, City Covers Operation
Under the terms of the joint powers agreement (State Project No. NH 0212(214)370, PCN 09HT), SDDOT will fully handle the contract procurement, design, and initial installation of 16 standard luminaires distributed across the four intersections.
In exchange, the City of Watertown will take on long-term operational and ongoing maintenance responsibilities for the lighting infrastructure:
· Installation: SDDOT pays 100% of initial construction and equipment costs.
· Power Supply: The City of Watertown will supply electrical power for the luminaires at 42nd St. W, 54th St. W, and 60th St. W. Northwestern Energy will provide power for the lighting at the 78th St. W intersection.
· Maintenance & Operation: The city assumes sole responsibility for all ongoing energy bills, servicing, and upkeep of the light fixtures.
Proactive Safety West of City Limits
The initiative dates back to 2025, when SDDOT originally notified the city of plans to install intersection lighting at Highway 212 and 78th Street West. State officials asked municipal leaders if additional corridor intersections should be included in the buildout.
Recognizing growing traffic and nighttime visibility concerns along the west-side corridor, the City Council passed Resolution 25-14, requesting the addition of 60th, 54th, and 42nd Streets West. Although these four junctions currently lie outside Watertown’s formal jurisdictional city limits, city officials determined that taking on the utility burden was a worthwhile investment for local driver safety.
City Engineer Justin Petersen will handle project oversight for the municipal side.
The Watertown City Council convenes Monday, August 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
