Spearfish city leaders are working against the clock to fix Main Street before several major summer events, after a chip seal project last fall failed and left the roadway in poor condition. Downtown Friday Nights begin June 12, followed by the Black Hills Camaro Rally June 17–20 and the Black Hills Corvette Classic July 16–17 — all events that typically close Main Street and draw large pedestrian crowds.
The contractor, Dakota Asphalt, has acknowledged the chip seal failure and is negotiating with the city. The company has offered to redo part of the project on Colorado Boulevard, but the downtown section must be completed before June 12 to avoid disrupting events.
City officials are weighing options, including allowing the contractor to attempt chip seal again, pursuing a mill and overlay, or even considering concrete surfacing long-term. Some council members and business owners expressed concerns about dust, loose chips, and damage to vehicles — especially with high-end car rallies coming to town.
A mill and overlay could cost around $500,000, while concrete surfacing for three blocks could exceed $1 million. Negotiations with Dakota Asphalt are ongoing, and no decision was made this week.
