Officials to Break Ground on Platte-Winner Bridge
Governor Larry Rhoden will lead the October 22 ceremony to kick off construction for the new Missouri River crossing.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Utilities
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Governor Larry Rhoden and state officials are scheduled to hold a groundbreaking ceremony on October 22, 2026, for the new Platte-Winner Bridge. The event marks the start of a project designed to replace the existing structure over the Missouri River.
Why it matters
The new infrastructure project aims to replace a bridge that has been in service for 60 years. By investing in modern materials, the state intends for the replacement span to provide a 100-year service life.
The new bridge is engineered for a 100-year service life, a significant upgrade over the existing 1966 structure that has served the community for 60 years. Construction is scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2031.
The players
Larry Rhoden
He is the Governor of South Dakota who will preside over the official groundbreaking ceremony.
The details
The ceremony at 2:30 p.m. will feature remarks from project leaders and performances by bands from Platte-Geddes High School and Winner Area High School. Officials confirmed that the current bridge on S.D. Highway 44 will remain open to traffic throughout the construction period before it is removed.
Timeline
1966: The original bridge was completed and dedicated.
October 22, 2026: The bridge groundbreaking ceremony occurs at 2:30 p.m.
2027-2031: The new bridge construction period.
Market Landscape
This project represents a broader push to modernize aging state infrastructure to accommodate long-term traffic needs. The initiative follows the prioritization standards set by the South Dakota Department of Transportation long-range infrastructure plan.
Drivers using S.D. Highway 44 can expect the existing bridge to remain open for the duration of the multi-year construction project. The site is located near the Missouri River, and those attending the ceremony should note the Platte-Geddes Elementary School serves as an indoor backup.
The takeaway
Replacing aging infrastructure is a standard practice for ensuring long-term safety and connectivity across regional transit corridors. Residents should remain aware of construction schedules over the coming years as state projects move through their planned phases.
What happens next
Construction on the new bridge is scheduled to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031.
Further reading
Find more updates on state infrastructure projects in the South Dakota Utilities section.
More information
For detailed project timelines, view the Platte-Winner Bridge project information on the official portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DRGNews.
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