SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Sioux Falls Railroad Corridor Analysis and Crossing Safety Study
For Immediate Release:
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Contact:
Katrina Burckhard, SDDOT Planning Engineer, 605-773-6641
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (Sioux Falls MPO), South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG), Cities of Brandon, Crooks, Harrisburg, and Sioux Falls, and BNSF and Ellis & Eastern Railroad companies, will host a public meeting open house to share information and gather public input about the Sioux Falls Railroad Corridor Analysis and Crossing Safety Study. The public meeting open house is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the City of Sioux Falls - City Center located at 231 N. Dakota Ave., in Sioux Falls.
The study team is conducting a comprehensive safety analysis of railroad grade crossings within the Sioux Falls MPO area. The analysis will identify crossings that may be candidates for closure, consolidation, or other safety improvements.
Rail transportation plays an important role in South Dakota's freight network, particularly in the Sioux Falls area. However, interactions between trains and vehicles can result in traffic delays, blocked intersections, and crashes, including crashes that result in serious injuries or fatalities. The study will help identify safety and operational issues at existing crossings and develop recommendations to improve safety, mobility, and traffic operations. The public’s input will help inform the study recommendations and future consideration of railroad crossing safety improvements.
For those unable to attend the in-person public meeting, or desire additional details, information is available on the study website at https://dot.sd.gov/projects-studies/studies/special-studies/sioux-falls-railroad-corridor-analysis-and-crossing-safety-study/.
Individuals needing assistance, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), should contact the SDDOT ADA Coordinator (605-773-3540) two business days prior to the meeting to ensure accommodations are available. For any in-person meeting, notice is further given to individuals with disabilities that the meeting is being held in a physically accessible location.
Written comments will be accepted at the public meeting or on the study website. Written comments will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 30, 2026.
For more information about this study or public meeting, contact Katrina Burckhard, SDDOT Planning Engineer, at 605-773-6641 or via email at katrina.burckhard@state.sd.us.
About SDDOT:
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