South Dakota news briefs published 03-26-24

Posted 3/26/24

Names released in fatal crash near Piedmont

PIEDMONT — A passenger in a UTV suffered fatal injuries March 18 in a single-vehicle crash near Piedmont

Preliminary crash information …

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South Dakota news briefs published 03-26-24

Posted

Names released in fatal crash near Piedmont

PIEDMONT — A passenger in a UTV suffered fatal injuries March 18 in a single-vehicle crash near Piedmont

Preliminary crash information indicates a UTV driven by Jamie N. Fletcher, 37, of Rapid City left the roadway and struck a tree. A female passenger in the UTV, Alicia S. Murray, 30, of Chocta, Oklahoma, was found dead when emergency personnel arrived. Fletcher was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of her injuries.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.

Names released in interstate crash in Lyman County

RELIANCE — A 38-year-old man and a 59-year-old man both died March 18 in a two-vehicle crash in Lyman County.

Preliminary crash information indicates a Ford F-350 driven by Ryan K. Taylor, 38, of Fort Pierre was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 near Reliance. At the same time, a semi-truck driven by Daniel C. Kirkpatrick, 59, of Chandler, Minnesota, was traveling eastbound in the eastbound lanes of I-90. The vehicles crashed head-on. Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene. Kirkpatrick was taken to a Chamberlain hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.

Construction underway on state Highway 44 near White River

WHITE RIVER — Construction work has started on state Highway 44 for an approximately 23-mile project west of White River.

The Highway 44 reconstruction project consists of full depth reclamation, asphalt concrete surfacing, pipe repair, and bridge rehabilitation. Preliminary work being done will include the use of flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should expect delays through the work zone.

Reconstruction work on the bridges is scheduled to begin April 9, which will include lane closings controlled by stop signs. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place for all bridges within the construction zone. These width restrictions will be in place through early August.

Cold milling and full depth reclamation of the roadway is scheduled to begin in early May. Motorists should be aware that once the full depth reclamation work begins, the driving surface will be loose gravel. Drivers are asked to be aware of workers adjacent to the driving lanes and to slow down through the work zone.