SDDOT in Search of Borrow Material Providers for S.D. Highway 45 Project near Miller

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, April 23, 2026

Contact:
Jeff Steen, Aberdeen Region Materials Engineer, 605-626-7883

MILLER, S.D. - In 2028, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) plans to administer a construction project on S.D. Highway 45 from U.S. Highway 14 in Miller approximately ten miles south to 208^th Street. The project is designed to enhance the safety and function of the roadway through grading, shoulder widening, bridge/culvert replacements, ADA curb ramp upgrades, and improving sight distances.

The proposed improvements to the roadway will generate the need for a large quantity of fill material. The fill material (known as borrow) is located beneath the topsoil. Borrow material is removed from the landowner's property by lowering an existing hill/ridge or creating a dugout/hole. The SDDOT cannot alter drainage or wetlands through the borrow process.

To date, the SDDOT has been unable to finalize a borrow source for this project. The SDDOT is reaching out to area landowners to generate interest as a borrow provider. The SDDOT will consider and evaluate all prospective sites within two miles or less from the construction project.

Prior to construction, the landowner reviews and approves the design for the borrow site. Through a signed borrow agreement with the SDDOT, landowners are compensated for the volume of borrow material removed, the amount of acreage disturbed (crop damage and/or loss of use), and revegetation (if applicable). Upon completion of the borrow material removal, the site is given its final shape and the topsoil is redistributed over the disturbed area. Final acceptance of the borrow site requires landowner approval and signature for release.

If you are interested in discussing the borrow material process and associated compensation opportunities, please contact Jeff Steen, SDDOT Aberdeen Region Materials Engineer, at 605-626-7883 or via email [email protected].

About SDDOT:
The mission of the South Dakota Department of Transportation is to provide a safe and efficient public transportation system.

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

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