Jul. 24—MITCHELL — After nearly four months of construction, South Dakota Highway 38 east of Mitchell is set to reopen to through traffic on Friday, July 25, 2025, according to project manager Nathan Maeschen.
The highway has been closed since March 31 for a bridge approach slab replacement project at the James River and Firesteel Creek bridges. A detour has been in place between East 1st Avenue and 413th Avenue (Riverside Road), rerouting traffic onto Interstate 90.
The reopening comes just slightly behind the original projected completion date of mid-July, and Maeschen said the project is wrapping up close to schedule.
The bridge work is part of a larger $6.3 million construction effort being led by Journey Group Companies of Sioux Falls. The full project, which includes the reconstruction of Highway 37 in Mitchell from Main Street to National Guard Road, remains on track for completion by October 24, 2025.
As Highway 38 reopens, a new traffic shift is set to begin within Mitchell on the same day. Starting Friday, July 25, eastbound traffic on East 38th Street from Highway 37 will be detoured to East 54th Street. That detour is scheduled to remain in place through Monday, August 4.
A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect in the construction zone. Drivers should expect some delays and are urged to slow down and use caution around crews and equipment.