Roundabout near Ephrata complete days early
A Jeep circles through the roundabout near the Ephrata Walmart Wednesday morning. The project is done several days early with only the striping on the nearby roadways needing to be completed.
R. HANS MILLER/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
EPHRATA — The new roundabout at the intersection of Nat Washington Way and State Route 282 is officially open, marking the end of a detour that has been in place for several weeks. The project was completed 8-9 days ahead of schedule, according to Grant County Central Services.
Public Works Director Rob Harris expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s timely completion.
“I am super stoked that they were able to get it finished ahead of schedule and with very few hiccups,” Harris said. “The county's contractor did an absolutely amazing job.”
The new roundabout is designed to improve traffic flow for residents traveling to Ephrata and the soon-to-open jail.
“You can actually shove more traffic through a roundabout than you can with a signal,” Harris said.
While the roundabout is now operational, Harris warned that a brief detour will be necessary Sept. 15 and 16 after 3:30 p.m. to complete permanent striping.
However, the roundabout will be reopened at 7 a.m. each morning.