Orange cone alert: Northern Sioux Falls commuters urged to avoid airport area
Rail, storm drainage work to close portions of Minnesota Avenue next week
Commuters on Sioux Falls' north side are being warned of significant traffic disruptions due to a series of construction projects set to begin soon.
The Sioux Falls Public Works Department Friday announced multiple road projects to begin next will have North Minnesota Avenue littered with orange and commuters looking for detours as a rail crossing is replaced. Storm sewer repairs are also expected to slow traffic in the area.
“Travel on North Minnesota Avenue and around the airport will be impacted,” City Engineer Andy Berg said. "We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we make these important and necessary updates to our transportation and utility network."
Detailed Road Closures and Detours:
Minnesota Avenue Full Closure: Traffic will be detoured through the industrial area via Blackhawk Street, A Avenue, and Algonquin Street to circumvent the rail crossing replacement site.
Benson Road Bridge Closure: Already in effect, this closure impacts traffic east of Minnesota Avenue, with detours rerouting traffic via 60th Street North between Minnesota and Cliff Avenues. Benson Road is slated to reopen in late November, with the entire project completing by early May 2025.
Minnesota Avenue Lane Closures: Intermittent closures of the outside northbound and southbound lanes from Russell Street to Benson Road are scheduled to facilitate storm drainage repairs. Traffic will be maintained in the inside lanes, with the work expected to last around three weeks, depending on the weather.
Alternate Routes and Tips for Drivers:
Drivers heading to and from the Sioux Falls Regional Airport are advised to use Russell Street, detouring through Blackhawk Street, A Avenue, and Algonquin Street, or approach from the north via 60th Street North and Minnesota Avenue.
City officials urge drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions in construction zones, plan their routes ahead of time, and consider leaving early or using alternative routes to avoid delays.
These projects are part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and road safety in Sioux Falls, particularly on the bustling north side.
