U.S. Highway 385 Construction (Sheridan Lake to Lawrence/Pennington County Line) Update
Closure
On Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, U.S. Highway 385 from the south end of Pactola Dam to Taylor Ranch Road closes to through traffic. The road will reopen on Friday, March 6, 2026. This road closure is part of the Highway 385 construction project taking place from the south end of Pactola Dam to Calumet Road. Local access to Victoria Lake Road and McCurdy Gulch Road will be maintained.
Detour
The posted detour will be S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) recommends that travelers exercise caution when using non-maintained roadways.
Recreation Facility Impacts
- Pactola Reservoir north and south accesses will remain open. To access Pactola Reservoir North Boat Ramp, approach from the north. To access Pactola Reservoir and nearby facilities from the south via Custer Gulch Road, approach from the south.
- Pactola Visitor Center is closed for the season.
Emergency Services
Emergency services are aware of these closures and are closely collaborating with the contractor to provide response coverage.
Project Update: Friday, March 20, 2026
Current Construction
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Closure E has now ended, and the section of U.S. Highway 385 from Pactola Dam to Taylor Ranch Road is now open. Construction activities will continue within this area of Highway 385 with the use of flaggers. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes during normal working hours, Monday through Saturday as needed. Work generally occurs during daylight hours.
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The driving surface within the construction area is a combination of pavement, blotter (a hard, packed surface that resembles asphalt), and gravel. The following portions of Highway 385 are gravel: the segment from Wrinkle Valley Road to Pactola Dam and the segment from Sheridan Lake Road, extending 0.5 miles to the north
Alternative Routes
Don’t let something as common place as road construction derail your vacation! Highway 385 is a popular route between Deadwood and the central and southern Black Hills. However, many other options are available that add minimal travel time to your itinerary while offering scenic overlooks and historic points of interest along the way. The map below details some of these hidden gems. Other suggested options on your “Route Reimagined” are available through Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association.
Visit www.us-385.com for detailed construction timelines and detour information. The SDDOT releases road condition updates regularly HERE.
Businesses are open on 385 – Click for more information
Tomahawk Country Club
Deadwood Outdoor Rentals
Steel Wheel Campground & Trading Post
Fish N Fry Campground
Mystic Hills Hideaway – Cabins, Camping and UTV Rentals
Custer Crossing Family Campground
385 Construction Alternative Routes Map
