By Gary Dickson garydickson@siouxlandobserver.com

Persons interested in the proposed Northshore Drive Bypass Project in the McCook Lake area should note there is a meeting they may want to attend about the project on Monday evening.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), City of North Sioux City and Stockwell Engineers will hold a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the North Sioux City Community Center, 205 Sodrac Dr.

The project involves constructing a new road to bypass Northshore Drive. The goals of this project are to alleviate traffic and safety concerns on Northshore Drive and provide necessary utilities to the surrounding area to meet the needs of North Sioux City. The project improvements are expected to include new concrete surfacing, curb and gutter, storm sewer, water main, sanitary sewer, and lighting. 

This will be the first of two public meetings scheduled for the project, according to a timeline published on the project website.

According to a notice published by the Mitchell Region of SDDOT, the open house will be informal in nature, “allowing for one-on-one discussion with design staff and the consultant.” Representatives from SDDOT will be available to answer questions, discuss the project, and receive community input.

SDDOT stated, “The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and gather public input. Area residents, business owners, and daily commuters are encouraged to attend and participate in the public meeting open house.” The agency added that the project is being developed in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.

Written comments on the public meeting will be accepted until Monday, Nov. 13, 2023.

Due to efforts by the City of North Sioux City and SD Senator Mike Rounds, a $17M grant was awarded to construct a new bypass road between Interstate 29 and Westshore Drive. This grant was earmarked for the project as Congressionally Directed Spending, as part of the 2022 Federal Omnibus Bill. The grant is administered through SDDOT with North Sioux City acting as the local sponsor. SDDOT awarded an engineering contract to Stockwell Engineers for the survey, design, and bidding of the project. Stockwell is acting as the Project Manager under the direction and administration of SDDOT.

Notice is further given to individuals with disabilities that this open house is being held in a physically accessible place. Any individuals with disabilities who will require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the open house should submit a request to the department’s ADA Coordinator at 605-773-3540 or 1-800-877-1113 (Telecommunication Relay Services for the Deaf). Please request the accommodations no later than two business days prior to the meeting to ensure accommodations are available.

For more information, contact Paula Huizenga, Grants Program Engineer, at 605-773-6253 or paula.huizenga@state.sd.us.