Traffic Signals at U.S. Highway 212 and 33rd Street SE in Watertown to be Set for Flashing Operation Mode

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, April 2, 2026

Contact:
Matt Brey, Watertown Area Engineer, 605-882-5166

WATERTOWN, S.D. - Beginning Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the traffic signals located at U.S. Highway 212 and 33rd Street SE in Watertown will be set to a flashing yellow/red operation mode. The signals will operate as a stop condition for traffic on 33rd Street (before entering Highway 212) for approximately 90 days.

These traffic signals are being placed in flashing operation in anticipation of removal at this intersection, while also allowing the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) to evaluate traffic operations and identify any unanticipated issues that may arise from the proposed removal. Based on completed traffic analysis, removal of the traffic signals has been determined to be appropriate, as the intersection does not currently meet, nor is it projected to meet, traffic signal warrants in the future.

This change is part of a broader corridor study completed along Highway 212 on the east side of Watertown from 19^thStreet SE to Interstate 29 which evaluated current and future traffic operations and safety needs. As part of this effort, a signal installation project at the Highway 212 and 26th Street SE intersection is currently under development as a direct result of this study.

For more information regarding the scheduled change to the signal operations, contact Matt Brey, Watertown Area Engineer, at 605-882-5166 or via email at [email protected].

About SDDOT:
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For the latest on road and weather conditions, road closures, construction work zones, commercial vehicle restrictions, and traffic incidents, please visit https://sd511.orgor dial 511.

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