Downtown Sioux Falls has suffered greatly over the past seven days due to the building collapse. However a bittersweet ray of progress has taken hold.

The City of Sioux Falls says it’s safe enough after crews have demolished what’s left of the Copper Lounge and Eastwold Smoke Shop to allow traffic to go through at 10th Street and Phillips Avenue.

A press release from the City provided the details on the current status and what to expect going forward.

Because the risk to public safety has been reduced due to the demolition of the Copper Lounge and Eastwold Smoke Shop buildings, 10th Street and Phillips Avenue will reopen by 1 p.m. today. Phillips Avenue will be open for both southbound and northbound traffic. One lane of 10th Street will be open for through westbound traffic.

Sidewalks remain closed immediately around the building collapse site. Two lanes of 10th Street also remain closed as a staging area for crews continuing to work on the structures. Traffic delays can be expected if travelling through downtown on 10th Street, but one lane is open.

The roof framing of the old Skelly's building will be removed on Monday. Temporary lane closures on Phillips Avenue might be required during that work, but they will be short in duration.

"Thank you for your patience. We, too, are excited to get traffic moving again downtown. When additional lanes of 10th Street are able to be opened in the future, we will keep the public up to date," says Chad Huwe, City Engineer.

It’s also good news for Downtown businesses that more areas are open for foot and vehicle traffic as the First Friday Special Edition event looks to give a contrast from the mostly quiet conditions since last week’s collapse.


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