Flooded stretch of U.S. Highway 81 south of Arlington is back open

January 31, 2020

ARLINGTON, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Highway 81, four miles south of Arlington through Twin Lakes, has reopened to traffic after being closed for several months due to significant flooding in the eastern part of the state in 2019.

Work began in August, and included raising the grade 3 1/2 feet, placing riprap, fabric, striping, rumble strips, signing and guardrail. The guardrail installation was a needed safety measure due to the excessive drop off from raising the road and deep waters of 25-feet in some locations along this section.

Motorists are advised to drive through the area with caution, especially during inclement weather. Continued high water levels alongside the road will create a higher incidence of ice on this section during the winter months.

The speed limit through this raised section will be set at 55 mph.