The expansion plans will also include an upgrade of their entire existing rail network. The new and improved rail system will provide additional transportation options for the shipment of commodities and finished products to and from western South Dakota. Highway Transportation Rapid City lies at the intersection of Interstate 90 and Highways 16 and 44 and South Dakota Highway 79. Highway 79 is being expanded to a four-lane highway with plans to ultimately connect with a similar project being undertaken in Nebraska. Interstate and intrastate motor freight is provided by more than 30 transport companies.
Rapid City is a net importer of truck service.
As a consequence, we have attractive opportunities for the export of goods from the Black Hills. The Rapid City Area Economic Development Partnership can provide you with a list of these transport companies. Air Transportation Rapid City Regional Airport , located nine miles east of the city, is one of the most active airports in the Northern Rockies. The total passenger traffic in 2000 was 410,000 passengers. The airport has an 8,700' main runway and a 3,600' asphalt crosswind runway.