A two‑mile stretch of U.S. Highway 16A in Custer State Park that has been closed for construction will reopen to traffic beginning Friday, April 3, 2026, according to project officials.
With the reopening, a six‑mile gravel detour that has been in place during construction will no longer be used.
The closure, located about 14 miles east of Custer or nine miles west of the South Dakota Highway 79 intersection, was necessary to allow crews to replace a box culvert structure and multiple pipe culverts. That work has now been completed.
While the highway will reopen, about one‑tenth of a mile within the two‑mile segment will remain gravel until mid‑May, when asphalt paving is scheduled to be completed.
Additional work on the overall project includes replacement of several pipe culverts, installation of guardrails and a 600‑foot realignment of Wildlife Loop Road within Custer State Park. Crews will also complete an asphalt mill and overlay along approximately 13 miles of U.S. Highway 16A between the east and west entrances of the park.
Asphalt work is expected to begin in May and will require the use of pilot cars and flaggers. Motorists should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes during that phase of construction.
The project carries a total cost of $15.6 million, with Paul Reed Construction & Supply Inc. of Gering, Nebraska, serving as the prime contractor. The overall completion date is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.
Officials said access to all Custer State Park amenities will remain available throughout the project.
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