Work is expected to start within the next couple of weeks on the new roundabout at the intersections of County Road 8, known as the Barrett Road, and County Road 40, which was and still connects to 114. The intersection is mostly west of Alexandria.

Douglas County Public Works Director Tim Erickson said the contractor on the project, Central Specialties, Inc. of Alexandria, is anticipating the start date to be June 29 and that the project will hopefully be completed mid to late September.

“This roundabout will not only improve sight lines, it will provide all motorists an opportunity to safely travel on two well-used roads,” said Douglas County Engineer and Public Works Director Tim Erickson. “The roundabout will accommodate all vehicles, including large RV’s, semis and farm equipment.”

This safety enhancement project, said Erickson, is part of the County Highway Improvement Plan and will be funded through the special 0.5% local option sales tax, which was adopted in 2014.

Detour in place

The intersection will officially be shut down during the entire project and a detour will be put in place.

The detour off Interstate 94 runs east on 10th avenue SW to Town Hall Road and turns left (heading north) to County Road 82. Then, it turns left (heading northwest) to County Road 40.

From County Road 8, the detour is north on Centennial Lane NW, which then turns east onto Centennial Drive NW to County Road 40. It will then turn left (heading north) to County Road 82, then turn right and head southwest to County Road 8.

To avoid the detour, eastbound traffic is encouraged to use County Road 7 south to Highway 27 to get to Alexandria.