New Soscol Junction roundabouts open partially

Drivers heading south on Highway 221 through Soscol Junction will be shifted to two partially completed new roundabouts instead of going through the signalized intersection starting about 9 p.m. Friday.

Caltrans is set to switch off the traffic signals at Highways 221 and 29, allowing traffic to pass through without stopping.

Crews are also set to continue working on the road along southbound Highway 221. One lane will be shut down until Aug. 9, according to Caltrans.

Congestion is expected to improve once the project is completed.

“Be forewarned there may be some congestion in that area, but just for a few weeks,” said Grant Bailey, Napa Valley Transportation Authority program manager.

The $54 million Soscol Junction project is set to replace the four-way signaled intersection with an interchange consisting of two roundabouts and an overpass that allows Highway 29 to go over 221.

Bailey estimated that the Soscol Ferry Road northbound connecting lane into the Highway 221 roundabouts will be complete in September, and there could be a ribbon-cutting for the project in late summer.

The detour that’s currently in place there is set to remain active.

You can reach Staff Writer Edward Booth at 707-521-5281 or edward.booth@pressdemocrat.com .