Diverging Diamond Interchange

A build alternative being analyzed for the Clark Road and University Parkway interchanges is the diverging diamond interchange. This design is a form of interchange in which the two directions of traffic on Clark Road and University Parkway would cross to the opposite side of the roadway on each side of the interstate bridges.

The design accommodates left turns while eliminating the need for a left-turn phase on the traffic signal. Two-phase traffic signals are installed at the crossovers. Once on the left side of the arterial roadway, vehicles can turn left onto the ramps without stopping and without conflicting with through traffic.

The diverging diamond interchange design potentially provides a safety benefit because it reduces the number of possible conflict points by removing the conflicts between traffic turning left from the arterial onto the interstate and the through traffic on the arterial. The design also offers operational and cost benefits over other grade-separated alternatives such as the single point urban interchange.

Fewer conflict points allow for increased left turn capacity and may reduce the number of through lanes necessary to process similar levels of traffic. This potential reduction in the number of lanes can help reduce construction costs.

  Public Workshop Video

  Public Workshop Boards

Clark Alt C

University Alt C