In a significant milestone for South Dakota’s transportation history, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) celebrated the 100th anniversary of the construction of its first-ever concrete highway writes the Dakota News Now. This historic road, built near the South Dakota Penitentiary in Sioux Falls between October and December 1923, continues to serve the community today, showcasing the enduring quality of early construction.
Two distinct segments of this pioneering concrete pavement have stood the test of time, one serving as a driveway to a local church, and the other primarily used as a parking area for penitentiary employees. These sections are a testament to the craftsmanship and durability of the work carried out a century ago.
A significant nod to this milestone can be found in the greenspace between North Drive, where a plaque was dedicated by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1990. The plaque serves as a poignant reminder of the historic significance of the concrete highway and the impact it has had on the state’s development.
Read the full article with a video here: https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2023/09/27/sddot-commemorates-anniversary-first-concrete-pavement-constructed-1923/