PIERRE, S.D. – The latest segment of reconstruction along the Mitchell-Rapid City railroad line saw solid progress this year before main contractor RailWorks had to shut down for winter, a South Dakota Department of Transportation official said Wednesday.
Approximately 41 miles of the state-owned line is being rebuilt from Chamberlain west through Reliance and Kennebec to Presho.
Rail, air and transit administrator Bruce Lindholm told members of the State Railroad Board that new rail now reaches 13 miles past Reliance toward Kennebec.
Wheat Growers is constructing a new $40 million grain-loading and fertilizing distribution center at Kennebec as a result of the improvements.
Switches have arrived at some spots and all of the switches and related parts are scheduled for delivery no later than Friday, Lindholm said.
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Bridge renovations from Chamberlain to Reliance have a Jan. 1 deadline but more time might be necessary, according to Lindholm.
“They’re close-ish,” he said.
Culverts are done and riprap still needs to be placed under some bridges, Lindholm said, with riprap work delayed until ground freezes.
Salvage work started on planks taken off bridges, and ties are being re-marked for replacement after they’ve become more visible, he said.
