Sturgis Rally traffic controls are active; speed limits change Aug. 6

Temporary traffic signals are operating in and around Sturgis, Rapid City and the Black Hills ahead of the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which is scheduled for Aug. 7-16.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation activated the eight signals Friday, July 31. They are scheduled to remain in full operation through the end of Monday, Aug. 17. Temporary speed reductions begin Thursday, Aug. 6, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 16.

The scheduled controls affect motorists, local residents, workers, visitors and freight operators using routes through the northern Black Hills. They are traffic-management measures, not evidence that a particular delay or crash increase has occurred.

Where the temporary signals are operating

SDDOT lists these eight locations:

South Dakota Highway 34/79 at the Fort Meade main entrance.
Highway 34/79 at Glencoe Drive.
Highway 34 and Highway 79 east of Sturgis.
Highway 34 at Fort Meade Way near Buffalo Chip.
Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 385.
U.S. Highway 16 and U.S. Highway 385 east of Hill City.
Highway 34/79 at 11th Street in Sturgis.
The eastbound ramp at Interstate 90 Exit 55.

Drivers should expect temporary signal timing and added stops at these intersections through Aug. 17, including the period after the official Aug. 7-16 rally dates.

Speed limits change Aug. 6

The most consequential change for many travelers is on I-90. The limit will drop from 75 mph to 65 mph between west of Exit 55 at Deadwood Avenue in Rapid City and west of Exit 30 at Lazelle Street in Sturgis.

On Highway 34, the limit will be reduced from existing 65 mph and 45 mph limits to 35 mph from Blanche Street in Sturgis east approximately four miles, including the area east of Buffalo Chip.

Highway 79 will have 45 mph limits on two specified segments. One runs from the Highway 34 junction north approximately two miles, north of Iron Horse Campground. The other runs from one-half mile south of the intersection with Bighorn Road north approximately one mile, near the approaches to Full Throttle Saloon and Drag Pipe Saloon.

Those reductions are scheduled to end Aug. 16. Drivers should follow posted signs rather than assume the temporary limits apply outside the listed segments.

Highway 385 construction pauses, but controls may change

Construction on U.S. Highway 385 between Pactola Dam and Calumet Road is scheduled to pause Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The pause does not guarantee uninterrupted travel. SDDOT says motorists should remain alert for traffic adjustments if conditions require them. The department also provides project updates through the Highway 385 information service, including a text option for major changes.

Where to check conditions

SDDOT plans to use portable message boards, speed trailers and permanent dynamic message signs on I-90. The signs may carry information about traffic conditions, crashes, extreme weather and other changes.

For current closures, incidents, weather conditions, construction information and commercial-vehicle restrictions, drivers should use SD511 or call 511. Conditions can change after the scheduled controls are installed, so freight operators and local workers should check before starting trips through the affected corridors.

Traffic counts will be released on weekdays

SDDOT will track vehicles entering Sturgis at nine locations during the rally. Daily counts will be released on weekdays, not weekends, and posted through the department’s rally travel information page.

The daily figures are separate from the later full report. SDDOT says it will compile a complete report after the 2026 rally concludes.

For planning purposes, the key dates are straightforward: temporary signals operate through Aug. 17; speed reductions run Aug. 6-16; and the Highway 385 construction pause runs Aug. 5-18. Motorists should watch for posted changes and allow for temporary stops and slower movement in the Sturgis, Rapid City and Hill City areas.

Sources

Look for updates to this story

Discover more from Interactive News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.