New Southbound Passing Lane Opens on Highway 79 

RAPID CITY – The Department of Transportation has announced plans to open the new southbound passing lane to traffic on Highway 79 from the Minnesota Street intersection south for two miles beginning Friday, October 29, 2004.  The new southbound driving lane will be open to traffic following placement of steel girders over Highway 79 at the Catron Boulevard interchange.  The northbound traffic will be maintained on one lane throughout the winter.  Also, the lane closure on Catron Boulevard will be opened west of the new 5^th Street intersection.

Construction is actively taking place at the new bridge over the railroad at Exit 61 to Elk Vale Road and grading for the new interchange on Highway 79 is progressing well.  Work on the remaining project items will continue as weather permits.

For more information contact Steve Schelske with the Department of Transportation at 394-1634.  Additional project information can be seen at the SDDOT web site at http://www.sddot.com/projects.asp.

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