I first heard about the diverging diamond traffic pattern from a friend a year ago. We then watched this YouTube video on it and ever since I thought these should be everywhere!
A number of studies have shown that Diverging Diamond Interchange or DDIs are very effective at improving safety and traffic flow. For example, a study by the Federal Highway Administration found that DDIs reduced total crashes by 46%, left-turn crashes by 100%, and right-angle crashes by 72%. DDIs are also effective at improving traffic flow. A study by the Missouri Department of Transportation found that a DDI in Springfield, Missouri reduced traffic delays by 35% and increased traffic capacity by 25%.
So where is the DDI going? It will be installed at the I-95 Interchange at U.S. 1. One of the deadliest interchanges in Volusia County. The resident’s have been pushing for a change for the last 2 years and they finally get their wish!
My guess is residents will first hate this. It’s wildly confusing at first and feels very unnatural. Since most folks don’t like change this will receive backlash but…. give it time.
Thanks for reading,
Chris
