Contact:  Dean VanDeWiele, 605-773-5294

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will begin on Monday, May 22, to install a new weigh-in-motion detection system at the junction of highways 83 and 14, also known as the “Blunt Junction” northeast of Pierre.

Concrete panels will be removed and replaced on the west leg of the junction and concrete grinding will occur on the north and east legs of the intersection to obtain smooth concrete and place sensors. Underground wiring and conduit will be placed in the ditches to support the signs and sensors along with new lighting installed at the junction.

During construction traffic will be directed through the work zones by flaggers. Portable traffic signals will also be used when alternating, one-lane traffic will be experienced for extended periods of time.

Pending weather conditions, signals will be activated on May 22,on the west leg (Highway 14). Motorists will experience minor delays during these times.

Motorists are asked to slow down through the work zones, be prepared for suddenly slowing, merging and stopped traffic and be aware of construction workers and equipment adjacent to the drivinglanes.

The completion date for the project is Oct. 6, 2017.

The contractor on this $2.3 million project is Muth Electric, Inc. of Mitchell.

For complete road construction information, visit www.safetravelusa.com or dial 511.

- 30 -