A major bridge project has begun in Fort Pierre.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the region's John C. Waldron Memorial Bridge still stands, but it's critical that the structure be replaced.
The structure was opened in the 1960s and is showing signs of deterioration.
The bridge is a crossing point over the Missouri River between Fort Pierre and Pierre.
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In 2016, the state performed a bridge replacement study, with the intention of gathering more information to justify a structure replacement. After years of studying and planning, the state decided to move forward with building a completely new bridge.
The department says the new structure will be better engineered and will be constructed just 10 feet north of the existing bridge.
The project is currently in phase one, which includes substructure work consisting of placing drilled shafts that will set the foundation for the rest of the project.