Mt. Rushmore Road reconstruction raises business concerns - KOTA Territory News
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More than 22,000 vehicles cruise over Mt Rushmore Road every day, and the last time there was any pavement repairs was in 1998. Now the road is looking at a complete facelift.
"It's a pretty considerable size project we're splitting it into two phases from Tower Road to St. Patrick Street and St. Patrick Street to Kansas City street," said Chief Road Design Engineer Mark Leiferman.
Two phases that could take two years to complete, but will hopefully pay off.
"The city's desire is to improve the beautification of the city as you come into the city of Rapid City," said Leiferman.
But a lot will change. A median will be added preventing traffic from being able to make left turns on Mt. Rushmore Road, and for business owners this is concerning.
"People come and they want to get to us and be able to get there quickly and easily; if they have to drive around the block or two blocks to get to us it's going to be a little more difficult for them," said owner of Lecy Chiropractic Dan Lecy.
"Our businesses on Rushmore Road have to be accommodated you they're the bread and butter of this community," said member of Mt. Rushmore Road Association Fred Thurston.
Thurston says he has been at every meeting possible when it comes to the reconstruction of Mt. Rushmore Road. "I want to see Rushmore Road be a dynamic place as people come into our community so I think there's some compromises that have to be made. But I want it to be attractive for people coming into town, I want it to be safe for pedestrians and bicyclists; lots of good things lots of potential there too," said Thurston.
Thurston also says that he wants to see more people getting involved with this project before it begins, and now may just be the time.
"This is the first time that the dot has gotten with the city and the community to get input from them," said Leiferman.
So there is still time for a change in plans.
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518 St. Joseph St.
Telephone: 605.342.2000 
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