RAPID CITY, S.D. – Morning commuters south of Rapid City should prepare for delays following an overnight semi-truck accident on Highway 16.

Emergency crews from Rockerville and Medic 6 were dispatched to the scene shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, first responders located a semi-truck that had crashed through a guardrail at Mile Marker 60. The location, a sharp curve situated between the Croell gravel pit and the Candy Company, is a known point of navigation for local drivers.

The vehicle sustained significant damage and came to rest in a sloped area of the ditch. Officials initially closed northbound traffic to clear debris from the roadway. While all lanes are currently open, authorities indicate that a single-lane closure in the northbound direction will be required later this morning when a towing company arrives to recover the wreckage.

Weather conditions are complicating travel in the Rapid City area. Intermittent rain has fallen since early morning, and with temperatures dropping below freezing, officials warn that road surfaces are beginning to ice over.

“It has been raining off and on since 2 a.m. and the temps are below freezing, so we may see the road surface begin to freeze,” emergency responders stated.

Motorists are advised to use extreme caution, particularly in shaded areas where black ice is more likely to form. While the moisture is a welcome, the combination of freezing rain and recovery efforts at the crash site makes for a hazardous morning commute.