Multiple Road Closures and Construction Projects Begin in Black Hills Region

Drivers in Rapid City, Box Elder, and Pennington County face disruptions as spring construction season kicks off

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:25pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style depicting the sweeping vistas of the Black Hills, with towering rock formations and winding mountain roads rendered in a sleek, streamlined manner without any text or identifiable elements.The rugged Black Hills region of South Dakota faces a season of major road construction projects, challenging drivers to navigate a network of detours and lane closures amid the area's stunning natural landscapes.Rapid City Today

Several major road closures and construction projects are set to impact drivers across the Black Hills region of South Dakota starting on April 13. Closures and lane restrictions will affect key routes like Pinedale Drive, Fairmont Boulevard, Ellsworth Road, and Paulsen Road as crews work on infrastructure upgrades, water main installations, and other improvements. Officials are urging drivers to plan ahead, use caution, and stay up-to-date on the latest road conditions and detours.

Why it matters

The Black Hills region is a popular tourist destination, and these road closures and construction projects could significantly disrupt travel plans and access to local businesses during the busy spring and summer seasons. Maintaining safe and efficient transportation infrastructure is crucial for the region's economy and quality of life for residents.

The details

In Rapid City, Pinedale Drive will be closed between West Chicago Street and South Berry Pine Road starting April 13, while construction on Fairmont Boulevard between Elm Avenue and Maple Avenue will begin on April 15. In Box Elder, the intersection of Box Elder Road and Ellsworth Road near Ellsworth Air Force Base will be closed for about a week starting April 13, and a lane closure is planned for the intersection of Radar Hill and Northern Lights Boulevard East. Pennington County will also see a closure on Paulsen Road on April 14 for bridge deck repairs.

  • On April 13, Pinedale Drive in Rapid City will close between West Chicago Street and South Berry Pine Road.
  • On April 15, construction will begin on Fairmont Boulevard in Rapid City between Elm Avenue and Maple Avenue.
  • From April 13 for about one week, the intersection of Box Elder Road and Ellsworth Road in Box Elder will be closed.
  • On April 13, a lane closure is planned for the intersection of Radar Hill and Northern Lights Boulevard East in Box Elder.
  • On April 14, Paulsen Road in Pennington County will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for bridge deck repairs.

The players

Rapid City

The largest city in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, known for its outdoor recreation, tourism, and military presence.

Box Elder

A growing city in Pennington County, South Dakota, located near Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Pennington County

A county in western South Dakota that includes the city of Rapid City and is part of the Black Hills region.

Ellsworth Air Force Base

A United States Air Force base located near Box Elder, South Dakota, one of the largest employers in the region.

South Dakota Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving the transportation infrastructure in South Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“We understand how big a deal it is to cut Ellsworth Road. It is one of our major corridors, so we want to get in, get it done, and get out.”

— Scott Lange, Engineer, City of Box Elder

What’s next

The South Dakota Department of Transportation will host a statewide construction season kickoff webinar on April 17 to provide updates on major projects, safety initiatives, and travel planning tools for drivers.

The takeaway

The upcoming road closures and construction projects in the Black Hills region highlight the importance of proactive transportation planning and infrastructure maintenance to support the region's economy and quality of life for residents and visitors. Drivers should stay informed, plan alternate routes, and exercise caution when navigating work zones.