Second Construction Phase to Begin on U.S. Highway 212 in Watertown

June 24, 2022

WATERTOWN, S.D. –The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the U.S. Highway 212 project in Watertown will soon move into phase two of construction.

The prime contractor, J & J Earthworks, plans to begin work just east of 11th Street East to just east of 19th Street East by Tuesday, June 28, 2022. This section of roadway will be completed one-half at a time, starting with the south side. During this initial work, two-way traffic will be maintained on the north side of Highway 212.

The first phase of the project, where the road is currently closed to traffic, continues with remaining paving work. Current project detours will stay in place until completion of the first phase. At that point, Highway 212 will be reopened to thru traffic west of 11th Street East. The anticipated completion of the first phase is four weeks. As sections of the roadway are completed, it will be reopened for business access from west to east.

Truck traffic is being advised to use the signed truck roads along the south connector route due to anticipated traffic volumes and narrowed lanes. All local traffic is being directed to the signed detour along 11th Street East, 4th Avenue South, and Highway 81 until the completion of phase one.

The $12.7 million project reconstructs approximately one mile of Highway 212 from U.S. Highway 81 through 19th Street East. The project includes city utility work, grading, storm sewer, curb and gutter, sidewalk, PCC pavement, lighting, and signal upgrades.

The overall completion date for the Highway 212 project is October 28, 2022.

For further information about the construction project, click here: https://dot.sd.gov/watertown-pcn-027d