The sign over Interstate 29 that got whacked by a dump truck has not been replaced and it’s been a year since it happened.  There are good reasons for that.  

Basically, in November 2013 a dump truck with its box raised struck the truss system of the sign that directed north bound traffic to either go straight on I-29 or veer to the right to take the exit and enter I-229.  All that remains of the previous signage is the two support posts on both sides.  You can still see them just north of the Tea Exit.

Travis Dressen of the South Dakota Department of Transportation explains the current solution of temporary ground based signs was the best option with all things considered.

First, an attempt was made to find a spare piece that would fit.  “Our intent was to (comb surplus inventory to see) if we had any similar configurations that we could put back up there.   We didn’t have one that matched sufficiently.”

Second, a brand new sign was ruled out because it would be torn down anyway in a couple of years.  “In 2016 that I-29/229 interchange will be completely reconstructed.  A new sign bridge will be put up as a part of that project.”  Dressen says not replacing the sign bridge has not caused any headaches among drivers.  Studies have shown that most vehicles heading north bound taking the I-229 exit are local in nature.

In addition Dressen says the sign that was struck was near the end of its useful life, so the party that damaged the sign does not have to reimburse the state for the sign.  However, the state can get reimbursed for the cost of cleanup and traffic control.

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