Tabor to Platte Rail to Trail Feasibility Study
The trail feasibility study for the Tabor to Platte rail corridor is underway. This study is being jointly funded by the Friends of the Tabor to Platte Rail to Trail Inc. and the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, which is administered by the South Dakota DOT. During the study, the team will analyze the feasibility of converting the rail corridor to a trail. Main feasibility topics that will be examined include:
- Financial – what is the construction and maintenance cost of a trail, and where would funding come from?
- Political – where is there more or less public support for a trail, and what agencies may serve as partners?
- Technical – what improvements would be needed to construct a trail along the corridor, including bridges, road crossings, surfacing, and parking?
Funding for the study comes from the non-profit organization Friends of the Tabor to Platte Rail to Trail Inc. and the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, which is administered by the South Dakota DOT. Using study results, feasibility determinations for various segments of a possible trail will be made by the rail corridor owner, the South Dakota Railroad Board.
Take the Survey to Share your opinion through Sunday, March 23, 2025
Agricultural landowners and tenants can take a supplemental survey through Sunday, March 23, 2025
Meeting Locations and Times:
Everyone is invited to meet with SDDOT and consultant staff during eight open houses. Information displays and paper surveys will be available. Written comments will also be accepted. Paper surveys will closely match online surveys so that all feedback from the public can be combined.
Tabor Community Center, 138 N Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 10:30 a.m. to 12 (noon) CST
Tyndall City Auditorium, 1609 Laurel St., Tyndall, SD 57066
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST
Avon School Auxiliary Gymnasium, 210 Pine St., Avon, SD 57315
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Hall, 418 Haines St., Dante, SD 57329
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST
Wagner School Cafeteria, 101 Walnut Ave. SW, Wagner, SD 57380
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CST
Lake Andes Community Center, 207 Main St., Lake Andes, SD 57356
Thursday, March 6, 2025, 10:30 a.m. to 12 (noon) CST
Geddes Multi-Purpose Center, 409 Michigan Ave., Geddes, SD 57342
Thursday, March 6, 2025, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST
Platte Community Building, 310 Main St., Platte, SD 57369
Thursday, March 6, 2025, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST
Public Meeting Information:
Public Meeting Handout
Public Meeting Notice
Presentation (coming soon)
Public Meeting Displays
Location Map
If you’d like to watch a presentation about the feasibility study, check back on this website for a forthcoming YouTube video.
Public Meetings: The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has a long history of public involvement in the development of transportation plans and projects. The 2005 passage of the Safe, Accountable, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) requires a public involvement process. Public meetings for the project scope and/or design will occasionally be scheduled to collect public input, provide information and answer questions.
