Why It Matters
South Dakota officials have begun work on the $290 million replacement of the Platte-Winner Bridge, the most expensive project in the state Department of Transportation’s history. The bridge carries State Highway 44 across the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota.
What Happened
State and federal officials marked the project’s start Thursday at a groundbreaking attended by Larry Rhoden, Dusty Johnson, John Thune, Mike Rounds and Sean McMaster.
The existing bridge opened in 1966 and extends more than a mile across the river. The replacement will be built north of the current structure and will be 115 feet longer.
The current bridge is scheduled to remain open while the new one is built. Completion of the replacement is anticipated in June 2030, followed by removal of the existing bridge through November 2031.
The new structure is expected to have a 100-year service life. Ames Construction, based in Burnsville, Minnesota, received the construction contract. Its bid exceeded the state’s estimate by $39.25 million.
McMaster described the crossing as a “vital lifeline” for rural communities in south-central South Dakota. Rhoden called the project “a responsible investment in South Dakota’s transportation infrastructure.”
By the Numbers
$290 million — project cost
1966 — year the existing bridge opened
more than a mile — length of the existing bridge
115 feet — additional length of the new bridge
June 2030 — anticipated completion date for the new bridge
November 2031 — scheduled end of existing-bridge removal
100-year — anticipated service life of the new bridge
$65 million — federal grant through the Federal Highway Administration Competitive Highway Bridge Program
$25 million — additional federal funds secured by South Dakota’s congressional delegation
$39.25 million — amount Ames Construction’s bid exceeded the state’s estimate
Zoom Out
Federal support includes $65 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Competitive Highway Bridge Program. South Dakota’s congressional delegation secured another $25 million, while additional federal grant applications were pending Thursday.
Construction challenges identified for the project include deep water, specialized equipment, the bridge’s size, market conditions and its remote location.
What’s Next
Ames Construction will build the replacement north of the existing bridge. The current structure is scheduled to stay in service until the anticipated June 2030 completion, with demolition and removal continuing through November 2031.