As hoped, the newly constructed roundabout at the intersection of State Route 282 and Nat Washington Way in Ephrata opened for through traffic Wednesday morning. Work on the project began in mid-July and is largely wrapped up about 10 days ahead of schedule. That's a welcome bonus to both local drivers and commuter/trucking traffic from Moses Lake who were detoured on a circuitous route into Ephrata. The collaborative project is intended to slow highway speeds at the intersection and increase safe access to Grant County's new jail facility (visible in the distance) that is expected to open next spring, along with other pending developments in the area. Photo by Randy Bracht
