Effective next Monday, Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCP&E) officials will close a stretch of Fifth Street between Omaha Street and Main Street for two weeks for upgrades to the four track, at-grade crossing.
The project with road closure is expected to continue through November 20. RCP&E will close the Fifth Street crossing to complete repairs to the tracks. The City will provide traffic control and will complete adjacent roadway and sidewalk improvements during the project. All lanes will be closed at Omaha Street and northbound traffic will be closed at Main Street for thru traffic. The western end of Nikko Street will be closed to thru traffic.
Access will be maintained to affected businesses and to the downtown parking structure. The public can access Fifth Street businesses and the parking ramp from the south and can also use Sixth Street to access the parking structure and City Hall during the closure period.
RCP&E will be installing a new pre-cast crossing surface, highway-rail grade crossing signals and associated equipment at the crossing.
The City is contacting affected businesses and message boards regarding the closure have been placed near the affected construction area. Where possible, motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes. The public should expect delays and allow additional time during their commute.
The RCP&E railroad project is being completed with support from the South Dakota Department of Transportation and the City of Rapid City. Information, updates and reminders will be published on the City’s website.
