HILL CITY, S.D. – Beginning on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, U.S. Highway 385 from the south end of Pactola Dam to Taylor Ranch Road will be closed to through traffic.
The roadway will reopen in March 2026.
This road closure is part of the Highway 385 construction project taking place from the south end of Pactola Dam to Calumet Road. Local access to Victoria Lake Road and McCurdy Gulch Road will be maintained.
Pactola Reservoir north and south accesses will remain open. To access Pactola Reservoir North Boat Ramp, approach from the north. To access Pactola Reservoir and nearby facilities from the south via Custer Gulch Road, approach from the south. Pactola Visitor Center is closed for the season.
Detour Route:
The posted detour for the Highway 385 project is S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) recommends that travelers exercise caution when using non-maintained roadways.
Emergency Services:
Emergency services are aware of this planned closure and are closely collaborating to provide response coverage.
Project Information:
Once completed, this section of Highway 385 will feature safety improvements, including wider shoulders on each side of the road where possible, improved road curves to meet current design standards, additional turning lanes to improve traffic flow, and new surfacing.