As of November 22, the highly anticipated Schweitzer cutoff and Boyer roundabout is finally open for public use. The roundabout was initially set to open on November 10, but was pushed back for a couple weeks.

After six months of having to go around on two different detours people are now able to access to the bridge and roundabout.

There used to be one stop sign on Boyer and a through street on Schweitzer Cutoff. Now there is a roundabout similar to the one on the intersection of Larch and Boyer by Super One. This one is a lot larger and has a slight incline causing worry among community members as to when it may freeze over during the winter.

A student shared his thoughts and excitements on the opening of the new roundabout.

“I think it will be greatly beneficial,” Senior Devin Fredericks said. “I think roundabouts are more effective for moving traffic.”

Along with the roundabout, the bridge was also rebuilt due to a low sufficiency rating that was accompanied with federal funding.

Both Ponderay and Sandpoint worked on this project, and it was ultimately funded through the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council.

There are plans for an art piece to be installed in the middle of the roundabout June 2019. Artists have a deadline of December 31 to submit their ideas. The chosen artist will be announced on May 1. Artists nationwide are able to submit their ideas, although there is a push to get artists in the region to participate.