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, January 23, 2026
Current Construction
- Closure E (Pactola Dam to Taylor Ranch Road) is currently in place and ends on Friday, March 6, 2026. Outside of the closure area, construction crews are continuing work on the roadway.
- The driving surface within the construction area is a combination of pavement, blotter (a hard, packed surface that resembles asphalt), and gravel. Portions of U.S. Highway 385 are gravel, including the segment from Wrinkle Valley Road to ½ mile from South Sanders Ranch Road, and the segment from Sheridan Lake Road to ½ mile to the north.
- The contractor is placing topsoil along the roadway from Sheridan Lake Road to Custer Gulch Road. Pilot cars, with wait times of up to 15 minutes, are being used within the construction area as needed during working hours.
- In the event of winter weather, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will plow and maintain the construction area, as well as Custer Gulch Road.
- Within the closure area, the contractor continues to conduct planned rock blasting the excavation and replacement of culverts, and grading of the roadway. Existing pavement is being milled and reclaimed to be used as fill material as the road is reconstructed.
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
