Commuters on Airport Boulevard at Interstate 40 encountered a new traffic pattern today with the opening of a diverging diamond interchange designed to improve traffic flow and safety. This interchange configuration allows drivers to cross over to the opposite side of the road, facilitating left turns onto ramps without opposing traffic interference. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) said the design can handle substantial traffic volumes without the need for additional lanes or traffic signals, a statement obtained by ABC 11 shows.
The aim of this infrastructure update is to provide smoother access to I-40. Kim Deaner, NCDOT spokesperson, told WRAL, "these intersections both speed up the flow of traffic and reduce the total number of crashes." Motorists should expect longer travel times initially and are advised to pay close attention to the new road markings, signage, and plan for longer travel times.
According to details from CBS 17, the Airport Boulevard bridge over I-40 was closed the previous weekend to put finishing touches on the project. While the Diverging diamond is a newer concept for some drivers, which can initially confuse. Deaner encouraged drivers to "slow down, give yourself a little extra space between you in the car in front of you, because you know, people are going to be looking for which way to go if they’re not familiar with the diverging diamond system."
This is not the first implementation of such a traffic design in the state. Since introducing the diverging diamond interchange in 2014, many have been constructed across North Carolina. The Triangle has seen several, including one that opened on Western Boulevard at Interstate 440 in west Raleigh in 2021.
