New I-29 interchange coming to Brookings

BROOKINGS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) -A large road construction project has kicked off in Brookings.

The city, along with the South Dakota Department of Transportation and other partners, is working to build a new interchange on Interstate 29.

Brookings Mayor Ope Niemeyer says the project was funded through different contributions.

“It’s the perfect example of public and private partnerships. We have the county, we have the city, we have the U.S. government, and we also have a private individual. It is going to be a benefit for the City of Brookings,” Niemeyer said.

The interchange will be on 20th Street South on the south side of the city near Edgebrook Golf Course. Because the golf course is funded by a federal grant, Edgebrook Clubhouse Manager Gary Moen said there wouldn’t be much impact on the course’s aesthetics.

“Their plan was from the beginning to try to avoid anything on the golf course, and I think they’ve done a really good job of that. It’s going to border three or four holes on the south side of the course, so it’s going to have a little bit of an effect on number four,” Moen said.

Niemeyer believes this is the perfect location for the interchange due to expansion on that side of town.

“As our development is all going south right now, pretty much all of the building projects are done in that area. With residential building up that way there will probably be some businesses that will spur up. I expect a convenience store to be on that corner,” said Niemeyer.

Among those who could benefit from the interchange would be those living or working in that area.

“I think it’s going to have a big impact on people living on this side of town, especially the ones that work at Daktronics and across the interstate. They can just take the 20th Street exit and go over there,” Niemeyer said.

For more information on the project, you can follow the link at https://www.20thstinterchange.com.

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