Starting Wednesday, August 27, West Gate Road will be closed from the Bluebird Drive intersection to the south side of the Cardinal Drive intersection.

Detour Routes:

Use Cardinal Drive and Thunderbird Drive to navigate around the closure.

The Bluebird Drive intersection is scheduled to reopen by the end of the day on 8/29.

Westgate Road is open from Hwy 14/16 to Bluebird Drive.

Bluebird intersection south to the Service Road will remain closed until Bluebird Drive intersection is opened.

Please use caution and follow posted detour signs. Thank you for your patience!

Master Transportation Plan Open House

Box Elder’s Future is on the Move!

We’re planning roadway, sidewalk, and trail improvements, plus solutions for traffic around our schools, and we need your input.
Watch the latest episode of Briefly Speaking, which talks about why the Master Transportation Plan is so important. https://youtu.be/8-pmSrP5Hlk

Add our Open House to your calendar!
Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. 
Box Elder Community Center, 420 Villa Dr.
Stop by anytime to review draft designs, ask questions, and help shape safer, more accessible travel within our growing community.

Click the link for more information: https://fhu.mysocialpinpoint.com/box-elder-2025...

Salute to Ellsworth Event (formerly Patriot Day)

We’re excited to invite you to our city’s upcoming 8th Annual Salute to Ellsworth Event (formerly known as Patriot Day), taking place on Saturday, September 13th at City Hall (420 Villa Dr.). For 83 years, Ellsworth Air Force Base has been an integral part of the Box Elder community.  Each September, the community and the Air Force come together to celebrate that bond and show our appreciation for the men and women of Ellsworth!  Everyone is welcome!  PLEASE BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS.
If you haven’t already—please sign up and be part of this meaningful event!  Whether you’d like to set up a vendor/booth and/or participate in the parade, we’d love to have you involved!
Sign up using the links below. Once registered, you will receive additional event details via email after the sign-up deadline.
Vendor Booth/Food Truck sign-up (deadline to sign-up is Monday, Aug. 18th): https://forms.office.com/r/PWGLQZwXWg
Parade sign-up (deadline to sign-up is Monday, Sept. 8th): https://forms.office.com/r/1pXesyx1Ms

Salute to Ellsworth Event Timeline: 
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Wings and Wheels Car Show – at the SD Air and Space Museum
Free for spectators and $25 to participate (contact: thesturgismustangclub@gmail.com)
3:00 PM: Parade Starts
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Main Event at City Hall (ENJOY live music from “10 Miles from Nowhere”, food trucks, vendors, FREE activities for all ages, Cops n Bobbers, and so much more!)
4:30 PM: JROTC Color Guard & National Anthem Singer (Stage)
7:15 PM: Pre-fireworks Glow Dance Party (Next to Stage)
8:00 PM: Fireworks Show
 If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us by email at Marketing@boxelder.us or call City Hall at 605-923-1404 and ask for the events department. 

Official Statement Submitted to the Project Prison Reset Task Force.

When we submitted our response to the Project Prison Reset Task Force, we considered the project as a potential driver of job creation and a source of meaningful economic impact for the region. This was the thought process that would have allowed both city staff and the City Council to weigh the merits and community implications in advance, should Box Elder be identified as a favorable site previous to the Task Force meeting on July 8, 2025.

Since the submittal of the response to the RFI, we have received meaningful feedback from our community, and it has become clear that pursuing a correctional facility in Box Elder is not aligned with the sentiments of our residents or the current workforce realities within the Black Hills region.

We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the process and wish the state the very best in identifying the most suitable location for this important project. At this time, however, we are respectfully withdrawing our submission for consideration of a site in Box Elder, South Dakota.

Fleet Manager Kenny R. Moore Sets Regional Milestone for City of Box Elder with Certified Public Fleet Professional Designation

Last night, the City Council recognized Fleet Manager Kenny Moore for earning the Certified Public Fleet Professional (CPFP) designation from the American Public Works Association!

Kenny is the first in a five-state region to receive this certification, a huge accomplishment for him and the City of Box Elder. Read the full news release here:

Assistant Public Works Director Cassie Furchner Earns Prestigious Certified Public Works Professional-Management Designation

Last night, the City Council recognized Cassie for earning the Certified Public Works Professional – Management (CPWP-M) designation from the American Public Works Association!

We’re incredibly proud of Cassie’s dedication and her vital role in keeping our city running smoothly. Read the full news release here:

Hotel Way Now Open in Box Elder, Offering Easier Access to WaTiki Water Park and Starbucks

Exciting news for locals and visitors alike: Hotel Way is now officially open in Box Elder!

This new roadway connects the I-90 Service Road to Cheyenne Boulevard, providing smoother and more convenient access to two of the area’s favorite destinations, WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort and Starbucks.

Hotel Way has been a long-standing goal for Box Elder, and with the assistance of LIV Hospitality, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), and Rapid City, Box Elder has been able to bring this much-needed corridor to life. The new road also eliminates the need for drivers to make a left turn from the I-90 Service Road onto Elk Vale when traveling south, representing a significant safety improvement in the area. The opening of Hotel Way is part of an ongoing effort to enhance infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and elevate the overall travel experience for residents, hotel guests, and tourists visiting one of South Dakota’s top family destinations.

Whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or spending the day at the waterpark, getting there is now quicker, safer, and more convenient than ever.

News Release Here:

Construction Update Highway 1416 Sanitary Sewer Project

The City of Box Elder will be providing updates to the public regarding current and anticipated impacts to traffic flows and construction activities related to the Highway 14/16 Sanitary Sewer Upgrades project. Updates will be posted on a weekly basis to the City’s website [www.boxeldersd.us] on our Engineering Department’s page and the News Section of our homepage. Updates will also be posted to the City’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

April 21 to April 25:
· Work continues in the Highway 1416 median on the eastern end of the project.
· Work will include activities next to Highway 1416, but all lanes will remain open.
· Important Note: Oak Street crossover expected to be closed April 21st - April 23rd.

April 28 to May 2:
· Work continues in the Highway 1416 median near S Ellsworth Road
· Work includes activities next to Highway 1416, all lanes of Hwy 1416 will remain open.
· Important Note: S Ellsworth Rd and Highway 1416 crossover to be closed tentatively beginning April 28th – May 2nd.
o Oak Street crossover will be opened to traffic and used as a detour during S Ellsworth Rd closure, expect a gravel “patch”.
o Motorists should consider utilizing Liberty Blvd for access to the downtown area.

Dog Poisoning Investigation Underway

The City of Box Elder Police Department is actively investigating reports of potential dog poisoning, possibly involving rat poison or lawn fertilizer. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. If you have video footage or information that may assist with the investigation, please contact the Box Elder Police Department's non-emergency line. (605) 923-1401

Close Watch patrols are currently active in the Antelope Ridge area to monitor the isolated incident and ensure public safety.

4/4/2025 Construction Updates: Highway 14/16 Sanitary Sewer

Construction Update: Highway 1416 Sanitary Sewer Project

The City of Box Elder will be providing updates to the public regarding current and anticipated impacts to traffic flows and construction activities related to the Highway 14/16 Sanitary Sewer Upgrades project. Updates will be posted on a weekly basis to the City’s website on our Engineering Department’s page and the News Section of our homepage. Updates will also be posted to the City’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Weekly Project Highlights:

April 7 to April 11:
• Manhole rehabilitation work to continue on Box Elder Road.
Minor traffic impacts on Box Elder Road, with a lane closure around MHs.
• Work continues in the Highway 1416 median on the eastern most end of the project.
• No impact on the N Ellsworth Rd and Highway 1416 intersection.
• Work may include activities adjacent to Highway 1416 driving lanes, but all lanes will remain open.
Important Note – This work will impact the Oak Street Crossover.

April 14 to April 18:
• Completion of manhole rehabilitation on Box Elder Road expected.
• Work continues in the Highway 1416 median on the eastern end of the project
• No impact on the N Ellsworth Rd and Highway 1416 intersection.
• Work may include activities next to Highway 1416, but all lanes will remain open.

Please visit the City’s Engineering Department’s Page for more information!

Water Service Leak

UPDATE @ 8:56 p.m. - Water Services are restored, however the lines will need to repressurize. Expect this to take until approximately 9:30 p.m. Water may be cloudy at first, running the faucet for a few minutes should result in clear water.

UPDATE @ 4:40 p.m. - Water Services are expected to be off until approximately 8 p.m.

Water Service Leak - Expect low to no water pressure in service areas north of Interstate 90. Currently unknown when services will return to normal. Updates will be provided.

UPDATE: City offices are closed for the day (3/19/2025 @ 3:45 p.m.) due to no water.

Thank you!

City of Box Elder Launches New Online Platform!

Starting January 28, 2025, the City of Box Elder launched a new online platform for permits & licensing!

This new system will help you:

✅ Apply for permits & licenses

✅ Pay online (Credit Card & E-Check options)

✅ Track your application progress

✅ Submit documents & request inspections

✅ Receive important updates & reports by email

There will be two informational help sessions held at the Community Center in City Hall

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 9:00 am – 11 am

Get ready for a smoother, faster experience!

For any questions, please contact the Planning & Zoning office at 605-923-1408 or email planning@boxelder.us.

Town Hall Meeting

THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the first of what we intend to be future Town Halls. On December 4, 2024, the City of Box Elder and Ellsworth Air Force Base presented and discussed upcoming projects in both the City and on Base. 

A recording of this meeting, and all future meetings, is available here.

The agenda included:
Welcome & Introductions: Mayor and Wing Commander
Project Updates:Base Projects: Civil Engineers share updates on mission support and runway improvements
City Infrastructure: City Engineer outlines upcoming city projects
Grants: City Grant Writer discusses recent and future grants
Community Development: Planning, zoning, and economic growth updates
[Tentative]: School District updates on plans for student growth

Please email public.information@boxelder.us with any questions.

Infrastructure Updates

You may have heard about upcoming changes to our water and wastewater systems. After consulting with external experts, the City Council has decided to proceed with vital upgrades to our infrastructure.

These changes are underway. However, before accessing grants to fund these Capital Improvement Projects, certain procedures must be followed. We're actively seeking and exploring alternative funding options to minimize the impact on you, our valued residents. Rest assured, we've secured funds from specific grants and other sources to help ease the financial burden on our community.

To stay informed, monitor your utility bills for updates, and continue to visit this site for comprehensive information on surcharges and their application. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we aim to enhance the future of our city's infrastructure and quality of life for everyone.

MORE INFORMATION