The Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has initiated a study to plan for a potential roadway on the western edge of the city of Sioux Falls.  This study, known as the West Corridor Study, is being conducted as part of the implementation of the 1995 Sioux Falls Regional Transportation Study.  The 1995 study identified the need to develop a system of high-speed, limited access arterial roadways on the perimeter of the city to serve the transportation needs of the metropolitan area's future growth.  A preliminary route for a limited access arterial has already been identified on the east side of Sioux Falls and the West Corridor Study will identify a route for the west side of the city.

The West Corridor Study is being prepared by HDR Engineering at the direction of the Sioux Falls MPO.  This study is expected to be completed by December of 2004 and will evaluate the benefits and impacts of several alternative roadway locations.  A preferred location for a future roadway will be developed and an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be completed.

Involving the public in an early and continuous manner is a very important objective of the West Corridor Study process.  Therefore, the Sioux Falls MPO established a Process Team consisting of city, county, state, and federal officials as well as citizens from the Study Area.  This group is working together to direct the West Corridor Study and to ensure that all interests are considered in determining the best location for a future arterial roadway. 

West Corridor Study Process

• 8/06/04: Received comments from SDDOT on second draft of EA.
• 6/02/04: Received comments from FHWA on second draft of EA.
• 4/04: Submitted second draft of Environmental Assessment (EA) to FHWA and SDDOT
• 10/03: Submitted first draft of Environmental Assessment (EA) to FHWA and SDDOT
• 8/20/03: Urbanized Development Commission (UDC) approves alignment No.2 to advance to the next stage of the Environmental Assessment
• 7/08/03: Process Team Meeting No.12 - preferred alternative recommended.
• 5/29/03: Process Team Meeting No.11 - most people (90 percent) preferred the alignment No.2.
• 5/29/03: Third open house held at Memorial Middle School - asked which alignment the public preferred.
• 4/10/03: Process Team Meeting No.10 - cost/benefit assessment, screened down to two alignments and need for one more public meeting.
• 3/04/03: Process Team Meeting No.9 - traffic modeling data provided and alignment screening continued.
• 2/4/03: and Second set of open houses held at Memorial Middle School and
• 2/5/03: Tea Primary School
• 1/09/03: Process Team Meeting No.8 - alignment discussion including changes based upon process team comments.
• 12/05/02: Process Team Meeting No.7 - discussion on 2025 growth area effects, logical termini locations, alignment discussion, and second public meeting details.
• 11/07/02: Process Team Meeting No.6 - Preliminary alignments were presented, purpose of road discussed
• 10/24/02: Process Team Meeting No.5 - Meeting held mainly to introduce the citizen process team members to the West Corridor Study process.
• 10/10/02: Process Team Meeting No.4 - Citizens added to Process Team.
• 9/17: and First set of open houses held at Memorial Middle School and
• 9/19/02: Tea Primary School. Also had a debriefing meeting with staff to record public comment.
• 9/17/02: Agency Environmental Scoping Meeting held - agency issues were identified to help streamline the process.
• 8/14/02: Process Team Meeting No.3 held - reviewed draft purpose and need and public involvement plan, and public meeting schedule (open houses).
• 7/11/02: Process Team Meeting No.2 held - discussed purpose and need, public involvement plan, roadway criteria.
• 6/05/02: Process Team Meeting No.1 held - discussed project schedule, public involvement, study area, and purpose and need.
• Spring 2002: HDR Engineering hired as consultant for West Corridor Study and Environmental Assessment.

If you have questions or comments concerning the West Corridor Study, please feel free to contact:

Bill Brinker or Jason Kjenstad
HDR Engineering Inc.
600 South Cliff Avenue, Suite 106
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-5355

Ph. (605)338-2660 - Fax (605)338-2695

E-Mail: westcorridorstudy@hdrinc.com