Yates Pond / US14A Road section repair

Cooperative Project with SDDOT/SDGFP
Project Contract $764,000
GFP cost-share $200,000

Project Scope

Reconstruction of US14A adjacent to Yates Pond to improve safety, road stability, and protect the unique coldwater fishery of Yates Pond. Particular design attention was given to protect the groundwater supply to the ponds and to improve angler access. Along with the road work and wall the existing parking area will be improved but not enlarged and the power line that now goes directly across the ponds will be relocated to preclude conflicts with anglers. A new concrete guard rail will be integrated into the road surface adjacent to the pond and will be constructed with color concrete in hopes of having it be less obtrusive in the canyon.

GFP and DOT have been working to get this project done for nearly a decade.

Eroded road into Yates Pond.

This photo shows the road in-slope to Yates Pond along US14 prior to onset of construction. Note the degradation of the driving surface and ongoing erosion.

Water structures being deployed in Yates Pond

Water bag structures are being deployed in Yates Pond to isolate the construction area from the main pond and allow for de-watering as needed for construction while not introducing sediment to the pond complex.

Water bag structures and sump water pumping underway while a new culvert is installed

Water bag structures and sump water pumping underway while a new culvert is installed that carries a surface discharge spring into the ponds. Sump water is being pumped to the south pond where complete water control is possible via a series of slide gates. This pond was reclaimed two years ago but had not been started up as a fishery due to the pending road project. Sediment will be removed following this project and fish will be transferred from Yates Pond to start-up the fishery.

View of the new retaining wall and angler walk-way from the north.

View of the new retaining wall and angler walk-way from the north. Water bag structure still in place.

View of the the wall and angler walk-way from the south.

View of the the wall and angler walk-way from the south. Water bag structure has been removed. One short section of wall on the south end of the project remains to be built at this time, as well as the integral concrete guard rail/driving surface on the lane of the road closest to the pond.