I admit it.

I wasn't paying much attention when they talked about the new configuration of Interstate 90 at Black Hawk. All that registered was that they were going to take out the "S" curves. Those "S" curves are one of my husband Jim's favorite parts of driving to his mom's house in Sturgis.

We've noticed the big Quonset hut looking thing going in to the east of the current roadway. I've had a couple people call and ask just what the heck they are doing out there.

Here's what I know from the DOT Web site and previous stories we have published in the Journal.

I do know the shiny corrugated steel tube is going over the DM&E railroad tracks. If I'm reading the maps correctly, the new alignment of the interstate will go right over that tube on its way north.

The existing Exit 51 interchange at Black Hawk will be no more. The new interchange, about a mile closer to Rapid City, will be called Exit 52. The exit will consolidate all of the service ramps into a standard diamond interchange. Thus, a new bridge is being built over the interstate there.

Also, S.D. Highway 79 will be rebuilt to five lanes through Black Hawk.

From Black Hawk north to Diamond T Road/Kimberly Drive, the Piedmont Service Road will be reconstructed to three lanes, where it will connect with the larger Piedmont Service Road project.

The Exit 52 project also includes reconstruction and extension of Foothills Road between Crooked Canyon Road and Mill Road and construction of new connecting roads throughout the project.

This year, the project will focus on grading for what will be the new I-90, which will be partially shifted east. Crews also will extend Foothills Road to a point near Exit 52.

When finished, a new Peaceful Pines Road will be the connection between the new exit 52 and the existing Peaceful Pines Road in Black Hawk, which runs between Wells Fargo Bank and BJ's Country Store.

Most of the existing Mill Road will be eliminated, leaving only a section in front of a housing area. A short road will connect it to the new Peaceful Pines Road.

You can see for yourself on this map at the DOT Web site, http://www.sddot.com/exit52/docs/exit52.pdf