The beginning of this week marks the start to a handful of projects that will have a big impact in Sioux Falls.
Traffic delays and routes to major landmarks may be changing for those driving through the city.
On Monday and Tuesday, projects begin on five streets and three of them are major roads.
18th Street started construction from Minnesota to Grange Avenue on Monday. It will be repaired in block-by-block segments.
"Once the concrete achieves the necessary strength to handle vehicle traffic, we'll move down one block and continue the process," City of Sioux Falls Engineer Brad Ludens said.
The street doesn't see too much traffic, but there is some concern for what does pass through.
It's a main route to Sanford Hospital, and KELOLAND's cameras caught an ambulance finding a way around the 18th Street barricades.
"We met with Sanford to let them know what our plans were," Ludens said.
The city worked with the hospital to plan out alternative routes.
"Well, they can either park on Summit or Walts," maintenance worker Vern Offerdahl said.
Residents in between the closure will have to park outside of any construction zones.
Offerdahl does maintenance for an apartment complex along the construction route, and he says he and the residents have had problems with the condition of the road.
"Every once in a while, you'd see a chunk of concrete break off," Offerdahl said.
The 18th Street project should wrap up in early July, but it's a different story in the southwest.
Starting Tuesday, Louise Avenue will be shut down from 85th Street to 95th Street through November.
By the end of the project, all of the loose dirt, gravel and ditch seen at the side of the road will take on a more manicured look.
It will end up looking like the road does north of 85th Street with a curb, gutter and center median.
All traffic heading on Louise will be diverted to Minnesota Avenue via 85th and Lincoln County Highway 106.
This week that may be a problem as repairs are set on its cross sections at 11th Street, 22nd Street and 26th Street.
"Minnesota Avenue has a lot of traffic so people should expect delays," Ludens said.
Minnesota Avenue won't have any detour signs, but the only way to stay clear of delays, may be to find your own.
For more details on Sioux Falls road construction this summer, visit the city's Street Construction page.
Comments