Rapid City, South Dakota – A substantial road closure is scheduled to begin this month on US Highway 385, a major artery through the Black Hills of South Dakota, affecting travel between Pactola Dam and Taylor Ranch Road near Hill City.
The closure will start Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, and is expected to keep the section of highway shut down to through traffic until March 2026. This is a critical phase of the ongoing US Highway 385 construction project spanning from the south end of Pactola Dam to Calumet Road.
Detour and Local Access
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has designated a detour route utilizing South Dakota Highway 44 and US Highway 16. Travelers are advised by the SDDOT to use caution if they opt for non-maintained roads.
Local access will be maintained for residents and visitors needing to reach Victoria Lake Road and McCurdy Gulch Road. Access to Pactola Reservoir’s north and south boat ramps will remain open, but travelers should approach the North Boat Ramp from the north. Southern access to the reservoir and nearby facilities, including Custer Gulch Road, must be made from the south. The Pactola Visitor Center is currently closed for the season.
Safety and Project Scope
The ultimate goal of the US Highway 385 project is to implement significant safety improvements. Once completed, the roadway will feature wider shoulders where feasible, improved road curves to align with current design standards, the addition of turning lanes to facilitate better traffic flow, and new surfacing.
Emergency services have been informed of the planned closure and are working together to maintain response coverage throughout the construction period.
For more information, the public may contact Tim Wicks, Custer Area Engineering Supervisor, at 605-673-4948 or tim.wicks@state.sd.us. Updates on major traffic changes are available via a text-in service; travelers can text “US385” to 605-566-4041 to subscribe. Additional project details, including maps and construction timelines, are posted on the website at https://www.US-385.com.