SDDOT State Rail Plan & Investment Guide

Draft Plan

The Draft State Rail Plan is now available for review.

Chapter 1

The Role of Rail in Statewide Transportation

» Read full chapter.

Chapter 2:

The State’s Existing Rail System

Description and Inventory
Trends and Forecasts
Rail Service Needs and Opportunities

» Read full chapter.

Chapter 3

Proposed Passenger Rail Improvements and Investments

» Read full chapter.

Chapter 4

Proposed Freight Rail Improvements and Investments

» Read full chapter.

Chapter 5

The State’s Rail Service and Investment Program

» Read full chapter.

Chapter 6

Coordination and Review

» Read full chapter.

The South Dakota State Rail Plan will address a broad spectrum of rail topics, including:

identification of objectives and plans for rail in South Dakota
inventory of rail infrastructure
analysis of rail-related economic, safety and environmental impacts
articulation of the State’s policies governing investment in rail activities and infrastructure
investigation of policies, needs, and issues related to the potential introduction of passenger service in South Dakota
establishment of a long-range investment program and policies for current and future rail infrastructure

The South Dakota State Rail Plan (SRP) will be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Once approved by the FRA, the SRP will maximize the opportunities for federal infrastructure investment in South Dakota.

Goals & Objectives

Inform stakeholders and the public to create awareness about the purpose and processes used to create the State Rail Plan & Rail Investment Guide.
Partner with local jurisdictions, elected officials, and key stakeholders to promote project milestones and input opportunities.
Collect meaningful feedback from stakeholders and the public to inform the technical team during the development of the State Rail Plan and Rail Investment Guide.
Transform complex technical data into comprehensive graphic communication materials for stakeholders and the general public.

Rail Plan Timeline

February / March 2022
Stakeholder and Public Engagement
March 2022
Plan Development
June 2022
Stakeholder and Public Engagement
September 2022
Final Plan Submitted

Upcoming Events

Launch Draft State Rail Plan Online Workshop (Available until July 14, 2022)

Public & Stakeholder Draft Plan Workshop

June 15
3-5 PM CT Becker-Hansen Building
700 E. Broadway Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
If you are unable to attend in person, a call-in number for the workshop will be available. Please email Misty at misty.siedschlaw@state.sd.us for details.