On Wednesday (July 15, 2026), the South Dakota Department of Transportation says asphalt paving will begin on S.D. Highway 271, from S.D. Highway 10 to the North Dakota border. The project includes milling one inch of the existing asphalt surface to improve the ride quality. Twenty percent of the mi lled material will be recycled into a new two‑inch asphalt concrete overlay. Additional millings will be used to reduce shoulder drop-offs along the corridor. The guardrail on the bridge over Spring Creek will be upgraded to meet current safety standards. Shoulder rumble strips and new pavement markings will complete the planned improvements. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car during active working hours. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes and are encouraged to slow down, follow flagger instructions, and stay alert for workers and equipment. The contractor for this $4.2 million project anticipates completing paving work by Nov. 6, 2026, and the overall project completion date is Dec. 4, 2026.   ...read more read less