DEADWOOD, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation has announced planned rock excavation blasting outside Deadwood.
On the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, rock excavation blasting is scheduled on U.S. Highway 14A approximately four miles east of Deadwood. This scheduled blast is part of a backslope repair project designed to reduce the steep slope adjacent to the road north of Highway 14A near Camp 5 Road. This proactive reconstruction project is designed to reduce landslide risks in the area.
During the planned blast, flaggers will stop traffic at a safe distance from the work zone. Traffic will remain in a holding pattern until the all-clear is given by the blaster, and any debris is removed from the roadway. Traffic will be reopened by the end of the day. Travelers are encouraged to use alternate routes during the planned blast.
Additional blasts are anticipated for this reconstruction project in the future.
The planned blast is being performed by Century Blasting Service LLC of Piedmont, SD. The prime contractor on the $1.5 million project is DRM, Inc. of Rapid City, SD. The overall project completion date is June 2026.
