Richard Moody is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the state Department of Transportation October 23, opened the roundabout at the intersection of Routes 9G and 23 in the town of Greenport. DOT crews have been working to build the traffic circle since early August. “The roundabout will reduce conflict points and eliminate crossing maneuvers at the intersection of Routes 9G and 23 and the approach to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge,” according to the statement released by DOT. A refuge lane has been added for those making a left turn from Route 23B, and the project also includes a 25-space parking area at the east side of the intersection, as well. Sidewalks from the parking lot will lead visitors to the northern entrance to the Olana State Historic Site and over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. The traffic circle project is part of the larger $14.6 million Skywalk project connecting the two historic sites, which also involves the renovation of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge’s sidewalks. DOT crews are now finished with their work on the roundabout for the year, but some landscaping and finishing work must be completed in the spring. “The intersection looks a lot different than it did,” Olana Partnership President Sean Sawyer said. “I think this will be something people value about that intersection.” Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.