The Eagle and Amity roads intersection has taken on a new shape that now has motorists driving through the new roundabout instead of waiting at a four-way stop.

The intersection was re-opened to traffic this week after a three-week closure.

“While other roundabouts exist in Ada County, this is the first at a major crossing of two busy roads. It will be a learning curve for some motorists, but the new intersection will keep traffic moving safely now, and for years to come, at a lower cost,” said Ada County Highway District Commission President Rebecca Arnold.

During its busiest hour of the day, approximately 1,100 vehicles use the intersection. That number will someday increase and necessitate expansion of the roundabout to two lanes. Growth in the area will drive a future expansion to two lanes when the volume doubles.

Here’s more information from ACHD about roundabouts:

Roundabouts keep traffic moving efficiently and increase safety. They reduce the number of accidents by more than 48 percent compared to signalized intersections, primarily by lowering the potential points of conflict.

How to use a roundabout:

• Slow down

• Yield to other vehicles or bikes in the roundabout

• Proceed counter-clockwise

• Drivers already in the roundabout have the right-of-way

• If an emergency vehicle approaches, immediately exit the roundabout and pull over; do not stop in the roundabout.