07/23/2026
As the South Dakota Department of Transportation continues implementing innovative projects to improve safety across our state, we're proud to have partnered on one of South Dakota's first Variable Speed Limit (VSL) system projects.
McLaury Engineering and Bolton & Menk, Inc. partnered as the design team for SDDOT's I-29 Variable Speed Limit System between Flandreau and Brookings—South Dakota's first permanent VSL corridor. The system uses real-time roadway and weather conditions to dynamically adjust posted speed limits and provide motorists with timely information, helping improve safety and traffic operations when conditions change.
Projects like these demonstrate how innovative technology and strong partnerships can improve the safety and reliability of South Dakota's transportation system. We're grateful to SDDOT for the opportunity to contribute to this milestone project and appreciate the collaboration of everyone involved in making it a success.
Be sure to check out SDDOT's post to learn more about how Variable Speed Limit technology is helping improve travel throughout South Dakota!
Two South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) projects were recently honored as 2026 America’s Transportation Awards (ATA) competition winners within the Western Association of State Transportation Officials (WASHTO) Region. The awards were presented at the WASHTO Annual Meeting on July 22, 2026.
This year, AASHTO members submitted a record 127 projects to the ATA competition across four categories: Quality of Life/Community Development, Best Use of Technology and Innovation, Operations Excellence, and Safety.
The two SDDOT projects selected as regional winners are:
• The Variable Speed Limit (VSL) project won in the “Best Use of Technology and Innovation, Small Project” category.
• The S.D. Highway 37 (Dakota Avenue) reconstruction project through Huron won in the “Safety, Medium” category.
As a regional winner, the SDDOT projects will now vie for a spot on the AASHTO “Top 12 list” to be announced in early September after all regional winners have been named. The 12 finalists will compete for the Grand Prize (selected by an independent panel of judges) and the People’s Choice Award (selected by public vote), both of which receive a $10,000 check for the charity or scholarship of the winners’ choosing.
Find additional information about the ATA awards in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) press release at https://shorturl.at/hGM4I.
Pictured below is Secretary Joel Jundt, Craig Smith, Director of Operations, and AASHTO Executive Director, Jim Tymon.