SD 63 Wins Highway Construction Award

PIERRE – The SD 63 project from south of McLaughlin to the North Dakota state line recently received honors as the best construction project (grading) in the state. South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) Secretary Dennis Landguth announced the award winners Wednesday, January 5 at the SDDOT/AGC (Associated General Contractors) Partnership for Quality Highway banquet in Pierre.

The project included reconstruction 11 miles of SD 63. It was designed to be built over the 2004 and 2005 construction seasons. However, Foothills Contracting, the prime contractor, brought in two full crews to complete the project in one year’s time.

There were some difficulties along the way. Lack of water for compaction and dust control was an issue, as well as archaeological sites. In addition, seven inches of rain fell during September and October, which slowed progress, but the water didn’t affect the quality or coordination of the project. Cooperation between the SDDOT, landowners, city of McLaughlin and tribal entities was a key factor in the success of the project.

In addition to the SDDOT’s Mobridge Office and Foothills Contracting, several subcontractors worked on the project: Bestway Traffic Marking, Busted Wire Fencing, Goldsmith & Heck, Jensen Rock & Sand, Lakota Improvement, Weatherton Contracting and Upper Plains Contracting, Inc.

Each year the SDDOT and AGC award top construction projects around the state at the annual partnering meeting. A committee made up of members from both organizations and the Federal Highway Administration evaluate the nominations and select the top winners. 

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