County and partners celebrate completion of new roundabout in Big Bear

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The intersection of State Route 38 and Stanfield Cutoff is an important part of everyday travel in Big Bear Valley. Residents use it to get to work and school, local businesses rely on it to serve customers, and visitors pass through on their way into the mountains. Now, a new roundabout is helping make that journey safer and more efficient.

San Bernardino County joined Caltrans, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and the city of Big Bear Lake on Sept. 30 to celebrate the completion of the Stanfield Cutoff Roundabout. Construction began in March 2025 and was completed in September.

In addition to the roundabout, the project included new crosswalks and sidewalks, curb and gutter improvements, signage, striping and accessible curb ramps. Flashing beacons and street lighting are also planned for installation in November.

The improvements bring an added safety benefit. Modern roundabouts slow vehicles and reduce conflict points where crashes can occur. The Federal Highway Administration identifies roundabouts as a proven safety countermeasure, with conversions from traditional intersections reducing severe injury and fatal crashes by approximately 78 to 82 percent.

“This project is ultimately about the people who use these roads every day — residents getting to work and school, businesses serving their customers, and visitors coming to enjoy the Big Bear Valley,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “The new roundabout provides a safer, more efficient intersection, along with important pedestrian and accessibility improvements near North Shore Elementary. I’m proud the county was able to invest in this project and work alongside Caltrans, SBCTA and the city of Big Bear Lake to deliver an improvement that will serve our mountain communities for years to come.”

“The Stanfield Cutoff Roundabout is a great example of how regional transportation dollars can make a meaningful difference in our local communities,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., who also serves as SBCTA president. “SBCTA’s investment through the Measure I Major Local Highways Program helped bring this project from planning to reality. Transportation doesn’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and neither should our partnerships. By bringing together SBCTA, San Bernardino County, Caltrans and the city of Big Bear Lake, we are investing in safer, more efficient connections that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.”

With San Bernardino County Public Works serving as construction manager in partnership with Caltrans, SBCTA and the city of Big Bear Lake, the project demonstrates how coordinated investment can strengthen public safety and transportation across jurisdictional boundaries.

Additional County Update News – October 8, 2026