STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission has approved a five-year transportation plan outlining nearly 21 million dollars in potential road and bridge improvements through 2031.
County Highway Superintendent Troy Eastman says the plan serves as a roadmap for future projects and is required for the county to pursue state and federal funding. He emphasized that the plan is not finalized and functions more as a wishlist of projects that could move forward if funding becomes available.
Major projects include several bridge replacements on roads throughout the county, along with asphalt patching, surface treatments, guardrail work, and a planned reconstruction of a portion of Elk Creek Road. Much of the funding is expected to come through grants, with the county contributing a smaller share of the overall costs.
During the public hearing, residents raised concerns about deteriorating conditions on West Ridge Road. However, county commissioners said Meade County is unlikely to add privately maintained roads to its system, noting the county already maintains more than 1,000 miles of roadway.
Officials say the approved plan will help position the county to compete for transportation funding while addressing infrastructure needs over the next several years.
