RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Chapel Lane Bridge in west Rapid City, the sole access point to over five-hundred homes in the Chapel Valley neighborhood, is getting new load restrictions after a recent inspection revealed deck damage. City officials announced the restrictions will go into effect on August 20 and will remain in place until a new bridge can be built.
The Chapel Lane Bridge, originally constructed in 1974 after the previous structure was destroyed in the 1972 Rapid City flood, has been a source of concern for residents due to its status as the only way in or out of the neighborhood. The recent discovery of a hole in the concrete deck prompted an emergency repair and a structural evaluation by Brosz Engineering.
City Engineer Roger Hall said the new restrictions are a necessary step to maintain the bridge’s integrity until a replacement is complete. The bridge is currently being inspected weekly. The new limits are 18 tons for single-unit vehicles and 30 tons for combination units. According to Hall, most residential vehicles, boats, and trailers will not be affected. However, the restrictions will impact larger tour buses and require an alternative plan for garbage collection. Solid Waste is working on a plan to continue garbage service.
Who is effected:
- Garbage Vehicles
- Large Tour Buses
- Fully loaded cement vehicles could exceed the load limit
Fire engines would exceed the limit but engineers are making exception for emergency situations. Snow removal vehicles and street cleaners will not exceed the limit. Any equipment involved with cleaning/dredging Canyon Lake that is too heavy for the bridge will be routed to the East side of the lake.
Hall said the city is working with affected groups, including Stavkirke Chapel in the Hills and Rapid City Solid Waste, to address the challenges. While the restrictions are not expected to significantly impact daily life for most residents, the upcoming construction phase will.
A new bridge is planned, with construction anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026 and last for approximately two years. During this time, the bridge will be reduced to one lane, with traffic signals controlling the flow. The city has already completed preliminary engineering and awarded a design contract to HDR Engineering. Hall said the new bridge will feature a lighted bike path.
In response to the long-standing concerns about single-point access, the Mayor Salamun has asked engineers of a possibility of a second exit for the Chapel Valley area. Chapel Valley has had concerns of fire safety in recent years with a sole single road access.