First Of 3 Napa Roundabouts At Hwy 29 Completed Ahead Of Schedule

NAPA, CA — Construction has been completed ahead of schedule on the first of three roundabouts Caltrans is having installed in Napa. The roundabout, which accommodates traffic at the freeway on- and off-ramps at First Street and state Highway 29, was expected to open Thursday, Nov. 21, Caltrans District 4 Spokeswoman Janis Mara said in a Nov. 19 news release.

Caltrans originally anticipated construction of the roundabout would be finished in spring 2020; however, it was expected to be open during the day once work was completed by the contractor, Mara said.

Motorists can now access First Street and downtown Napa from northbound SR-29.

"The eastbound on-ramp on First Street from Browns Valley Road to SR-29 northbound on-ramp is no longer closed and motorists need not detour any longer," Mara said.

Caltrans is expecting an adjustment period as motorists learn to negotiate the new configuration of the intersection.

"Drivers are asked to slow down as they approach the roundabout, yield to vehicles in the roundabout and watch for signs guiding vehicles," Mara said.

Caltrans finished the roundabout early by arranging continuous closure of the off-ramp for 30 days and by combining various phases of work at the same time, according to Mara.

In doing so, Caltrans also reduced the project budget by an estimated $200,000, she said.

As construction continues on the other two roundabouts, Caltrans says the following detours remain in place:

— California Boulevard southbound will turn left at Clay Street, then right at Seymour Street, then right at Third Street. Detour ends at California Boulevard.

— California Boulevard northbound will turn right at Second Street, then left at Seymour Street, then left at Clay Street and detour ends at California Boulevard.

— First Street westbound will turn right at Walnut Street, left on Clay Street and detour ends at California Boulevard.

— First Street eastbound from Browns Valley Road will be able to turn right on California Boulevard going south to get to Second Street, then turn left on Second Street to the detour at Seymour Street to go northbound on California Boulevard or to continue east on Second Street to Downtown Napa.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• First Street Offramp To Close In Napa For Roundabout Construction
• Napa Intersection To Close For Roundabout Construction: Caltrans