A critical infrastructure investment is moving forward in South Dakota as the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) secures $65 million in federal funding for the replacement of the Platte–Winner Bridge along SD Highway 44. The funding, awarded through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP), supports one of the largest and most technically complex transportation projects in the state’s history.
Due to the significant projected cost of the bridge replacement, SDDOT pursued federal discretionary funding to help advance the project. HR Green assisted SDDOT throughout the grant development process, evaluating potential funding programs and preparing multiple competitive applications. In addition to the successful CHBP submission, HR Green developed applications for the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) and the Multi-Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) program, helping position the project for federal support and ultimately contributing to the successful award.
Spanning more than a mile across the Missouri River, the existing Platte–Winner Bridge has served travelers since 1966 and is one of only a handful of Missouri River crossings in South Dakota. With the structure nearing the end of its service life, replacement is essential to maintain a safe and reliable connection for residents, businesses, and emergency services across the region. Maintaining uninterrupted access across the river is particularly critical in this corridor, where alternative routes could add nearly 100 miles of travel.
The replacement structure is over 5,700 feet in length and requires deep foundation design within the Missouri River, as well as careful consideration of unstable geology in the surrounding valley where landslides are common. The project team, led by HR Green, evaluated multiple corridor alternatives to identify a location that balances geotechnical feasibility, environmental stewardship, and long-term performance.
Coordination with agencies such as the FHWA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks resulted in enhancements to recreational areas, including improvements at Snake Creek Recreation Area.
Environmental and regulatory coordination has been a defining element of the project. The team navigated complex federal requirements, including Section 106 considerations for historic resources and Section 4(f) protections for recreational lands. A multi-agency Memorandum of Agreement helped align priorities across federal, state, and tribal partners, creating a clear path toward construction while protecting environmental and cultural resources.
While construction of related mitigation pieces began in 2024, major elements of the bridge could begin later this year, and completion of the project is anticipated in 2029. Once finished, the new Platte–Winner Bridge will provide a modern crossing designed to meet current standards and future demands.
