RAPID CITY - Mild fall weather has helped road crews get a good start on the $15 million project to widen S.D. Highway 44 between Longview Road and Rapid City Regional Airport, said Kevin Howland, lead project engineer for the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

"We probably won't get any paving done this year, but we're getting a big jump on the grading."

Work on the highway began Sept. 26. It's scheduled for completion on Oct. 15, 2008.

During the grading work, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., there have been traffic delays that can last 5 to 10 minutes. The DOT has set up a phone line - 394-1622 - to tell motorists what to expect.

When it's finished, Highway 44 will be a four-lane, divided highway with center turn lanes and a raised median, similar to the Southeast Connector. It will also have asphalt shoulders.

In addition, approaches at Longview Road, Reservoir Road, Apple Tree Road, Anderson Road, Morris Lane, Radar Hill Road and Airport Road will be rebuilt.

Howland said some of the sharply angled intersections, such as Longview Road, will be straightened to become nearly 90-degree angles.

Howland said the new road will be safer than the existing Highway 44. Some of the turns will be straightened, and sight distances will improve.

Sections of the old Milwaukee Railroad line, which hasn't carried trains in decades, are being torn out to allow construction of a wider road.

Howland said five or six places will be ripped up to allow for box culverts and other work.

He said the area has problems with standing water. The culverts and fill gravel will help with drainage.

Heavy Constructors is the prime contractor on the project.

Contact Dan Daly at 394-8421 or dan.daly@rapidcityjournal.com