COEUR d’ALENE — Work at a west Coeur d’Alene interchange that had prevented motorists from using Atlas Road was completed Friday morning, relieving rush-hour traffic on neighboring streets.

Atlas Road was reopened as planned Friday morning as work on the Atlas and Seltice Way intersection was completed, said Matt Gillis of Welch Comer Engineers, which oversaw the work.

“We knew that was a very important issue to the community, so we made certain it would open (Friday),” Gillis said.

Atlas Road is a major commuter route between subdivisions on the Rathdrum Prairie and Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.

The road was supposed to open two weeks ago following construction work as part of the $5.4 million Seltice Way project, but a delay required the continued shunting of traffic through alternate routes including Ramsey Road.

“There was a lot of detour traffic because of Atlas,” city engineer Chris Bosley said.

Two new roundabouts — one at Atlas and another at Grand Mill Lane — will ease drive time and traffic flow for commuters. Although it had been mostly completed, the roundabout at the Atlas Road intersection required a traffic island “splitter” on Atlas, which was completed this week.

“I think the biggest advantage besides easing congestion is the reduced drive time,” Bosley said.

In addition to opening Atlas Road, power company crews will have the interchanges lighted by the end of next week, Gillis said.

Throughout the winter, Gillis said, “We’ll get more and more lights along the corridor.”

Prior to shutting down for the winter, contractors are expected to open all four lanes of Seltice Way.

Before the project is finished next summer, another asphalt lift is scheduled for the roadway — which is set for spring — and landscaping and lighting will be completed.