Construction Update (7/12/2024): As of Friday, July 12, 2024, U.S. Highway 385 from S.D. Highway 44 to the Pactola Dam is open to traffic. There will be no more scheduled road closures for the remainder of 2024 on this project.

Motorists should be aware that while Highway 385 is open, the speed limit has been reduced in the construction area. The section of roadway between the Pennington-Lawrence County line to the north end of the Pactola Dam will be a gravel surface until surfacing is completed in late 2025.

Users of the roadway can expect delays of approximately 15 minutes with the use of flaggers from the Pactola Dam to one-half mile north of Silver City Road.

Motorists are reminded that while the project is ongoing, they are still able to easily utilize area highways to access Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and other attractions across the Black Hills.

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

(click for larger PDF file)