As crew members scrambled to put the finishing touches on the newly constructed two-lane roundabout at the intersection of Chestnut Street (Highway 41) and Engler Boulevard (Highway 10), Joe Kochevar of Chaska stood on a nearby hill to survey the progress.

Over the past few months, Kochevar stopped by Holiday Station Store regularly to watch the installation take shape. This afternoon, Sept. 30, things started to look promising.

“They’ve made a lot of progress,” he said. When he heard that the roundabout was projected to open that same evening, he grinned.

“That’s good news,” he admitted.

Motorists along the busy north-south stretch of Highway 41 have been navigating detours since the spring, as four planned roundabouts were on Carver County Highway Department’s schedule for this stretch of Engler Boulevard. The roundabout causing the greatest disruption was at 41 and 10.

So, it was no wonder that there was a bit of hoopla surrounding its opening Tuesday night.

According to Sara Renney, communications consultant for the project team, the new roundabout will give motorists “a smoother, safer way to move through the intersection.”

The first vehicles to travel through the roundabout included a “parade” of public service cars and trucks that circled around the roundabout just hours before the official opening., Participating vehicles included those from the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, City of Chaska Police Department, City of Chaska Fire Department, Eastern Carver County Schools, Chaska Community Center and Southwest Transit.

By 8 p.m., cars and other vehicles were approaching the now-open roundabout and slowly making their way north or south for the first time.

For the next few days, the roundabout will be open for single-lane use only, as crews complete work in the area. Motorists are asked to navigate the intersection with caution as crews finish up their work.

Officer Hunter Panning, public information officer for the Chaska Police Department, reported that first responders in the area are thrilled that the intersection is now open to traffic.

“The reopening of the Highway 41 and Highway 10 intersection is a welcome milestone for our community and for our officers,” he said. “For our department, Highway 41 is a vital north/south route through the city. During the closure, our officers have had to rely on a few detours, which had the potential to impact response times depending on the time of day and location of the incident. Having direct access back through this corridor will make it easier and quicker for us to respond to calls for service.”

The new pedestrian underpasses at the intersection remain closed until crews pour the connecting concrete pathways. These underpasses are expected to open in the coming weeks, offering a safe way to walk or bike through the area.

In addition, as the Highway 41/10 roundabout opens to traffic, Engler Boulevard — between Crest Drive and Ridge Lane — will close for construction of the final new roundabout at Park Ridge Drive. Crest Drive will continue to be accessible to traffic. The closure is expected to last through mid-November.

• Access map to Chaska Community Center during Park Ridge Drive closure
• Highway 10 detour map for fall 2025

Panning said officers are welcoming the safety improvements that all the new roundabouts are bringing to the community.

“Roundabouts have proven to be much safer than traditional intersections managed by stop signs or traffic lights,” he said. “While crashes can still occur, the lower speeds and design of roundabouts greatly reduce the severity of those incidents, meaning fewer serious injuries and fatalities.”

The Police Department encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with the proper use of roundabouts so that the change is as smooth as possible for everyone, Panning said.

“As with any major change in traffic flow, drivers will need some time to adjust to the change,” he offered.

Police officers are offering some tips to help make the adjustment smoother:

1. Slow down as you approach
Reduce your speed and be prepared to yield. Roundabouts are designed for slower speeds, which makes them safer.

2. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Vehicles inside the circle have the right of way. Wait for a gap before entering.

3. Choose your lane early
Signs and pavement markings before the roundabout will guide you. Enter from the correct lane for where you want to go (right, straight, or left).

4. Don’t stop inside the roundabout, even if you’re involved in a crash
Once you’re in, keep moving. If you’re involved in a crash, keep moving if your vehicle can still operate and pull over to a safe location just outside the roundabout. Stopping suddenly can cause additional crashes.

5. Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists
Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and be mindful of bicyclists who may be sharing the roadway.

6. Avoid passing other vehicles
Stay in your lane and do not overtake other cars inside the roundabout.

7. Use your turn signal to exit
Signal just before your exit to let others know your intention.

8. Give larger vehicles space
Trucks and buses may need more room to maneuver. Never drive beside them inside the roundabout.