BOCA RATON, Fla. — After close to two years of construction, the new diverging diamond interchange opened Monday at Glades Road and Interstate 95 in Boca Raton.
The interchange was scheduled to reopen in the new configuration at 6 a.m., but it was delayed because of overnight rain until just after 3 p.m.
A diverging diamond interchange allows the two directions of traffic on the roadway to temporarily cross to the opposite side of the road, according to FDOT.
DDI Update: Eastbound and westbound Glades Road at I-95 are now open to traffic in the new Diverging Diamond Interchange configuration. pic.twitter.com/gsiPuughZu
— FDOT District 4 (@MyFDOT_SEFL) January 30, 2023
This limits the number of traffic signal phases and allows drivers to make a left turn without crossing in front of oncoming traffic. The lanes then change back to the right side of the road.
RELATED: More diverging diamond interchanges planned for Palm Beach County, Treasure Coast
The Florida Department of Transportation said the benefits of this type of interchange include improved traffic operations, increased safety and enhanced accessibility for all drivers.
Construction on the project began on Glades Road in March 2021 with roadway widening, drainage, bridge widenings and retrofit over I-95 and Military Trail, and the construction of new ramps and a dedicated median pedestrian bridge.
Check out this drive-through of the upcoming #DDI at Glades Road/I-95! To drive straight through, proceed through the traffic light. Your lane will guide you to the opposite side of the road. Before crossing back to the right side of the road, you will pass another traffic light. pic.twitter.com/9Cg7hm1VND
— FDOT District 4 (@MyFDOT_SEFL) January 24, 2023
RELATED: FDOT addresses concerns over major road project on Glades Road in Boca Raton
FDOT said additional project improvements include the following:
- Installation of new drainage structures, lighting and utilities
- Wrong-way driving countermeasures
- 18 new signal mast arms
- Five new overhead sign structures
- Construction of pedestrian pathways
- Two 7-foot bike lanes on either side of the road
The diverging diamond configuration is a relatively new traffic flow design for American drivers, first implemented on a roadway in Springfield, Missouri, in 2009.
Since then, there are more than 150 of these types of interchanges now open to traffic throughout the U.S, with more under construction.
The innovative design has been praised for reducing injury and fatal crashes by up to 55%, according to 2021 study.
Transportation officials said they project a 33% crash reduction at the interchange.
The new interchange is part of an I-95 express phase project that the FDOT started in November 2019 with a price tag of $148 million.
MAP OF I-95 INTERCHANGE PROJECTS SLATED FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY:
Click here for more frequently asked questions about the new design.