Project Update as of Friday, June 23, 2025
Current Construction
- Throughout the Phase 2 construction area, from the south end of Pactola Dam to Calumet Road, expect sections of gravel surface that are loose and may become slippery when wet. Motorcycles and trailers are advised to travel with caution through the construction area.
- Phase 1 (Pennington-Lawrence County Line to the north end of Pactola Dam) permanent surfacing activities have begun. The contractor will use pilot cars and flaggers as needed, with traffic delays of up to 15 minutes. Surfacing activities start at the Pennington Lawrence County line and work south. Phase 1 surfacing is expected to be completed by mid-July 2025.
- Dust is being managed by the contractor on an as-needed basis.
Upcoming Construction
- The contractor will open all lanes to unimpeded traffic, and work will be paused from Wednesday, July 30, 2025, through Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. All driving surfaces will be existing asphalt surface or a temporary hard surface by Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
- Overnight construction activities are also taking place in the Phase 2 construction area. Travelers can expect traffic to be controlled through the use of flaggers and wait times of up to 15 minutes.
- Closure C (Sheridan Lake Road to Be Still Road) begins on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, and ends on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
- Closure E (Pactola Dam to Taylor Ranch Road) begins on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, and ends on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Updates
Highway 385 Construction – The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is reconstructing a portion of U.S. Highway 385 between the Pennington-Lawrence county line and the south end of Sheridan Lake. Once completed, this section of U.S. Highway 385 will feature safety improvements, including wider shoulders on each side of the road where possible, improved road curves to meet current design standards, additional turning lanes to improve traffic flow, and new surfacing. Learn more about 385 construction below.
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
