Several New “Diverging Diamond” Interchanges Planned on I-4 Beyond Orlando

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Diverging Diamond Interchange | I-4 Exit Guide

Construction on the Florida Department of Transportation’s I-4 Beyond the Ultimate is beginning. Milling and resurfacing work on the eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) travel lanes in Seminole County started in July 2019.

Reconstruction of the E.E. Williamson Road overpass and the addition of the eastbound I-4 auxiliary lane from the end of the I-4 Ultimate project to Lake Mary Boulevard began in summer 2019.

Several DDIs are planned for interchanges in the I-4 Beyond project. The first ones will be built at the Sand Lake Road (State Road 482) and Daryl Carter Parkway interchanges to address congestion in those very busy and growing areas. Other DDI’s are planned for Howland Boulevard (Exit 114 @ FL472), H.E. Thomas Jr. Parkway (Exit 101A @ CR 46A), Lake Mary Boulevard (Exit 98) and Osceloa Polk Line Road (Hwy 532 @ Exit 58)

The DDI lessens the likelihood of crashes by temporarily switching drivers to the opposite side of the road. That way, vehicles can make left turns onto interstates without worrying about crossing in front of oncoming traffic.

Though differing from the typical roadway arrangement, the driving paths of a DDI are easy to follow. To drive through a DDI on a local road, proceed through the traffic light and continue in your lane, as it shifts to the left side of the road. As you drive on the left side, simply turn left onto the entrance ramp and merge onto the highway. You do not have to cross in front of oncoming traffic. Those who don’t need to turn left onto the interstate will be guided back to their usual side of the roadway.

This improvement increases the efficiency of the interchange, allowing more vehicles to enter and exit the interstate. It also reduces the number of traffic signal phases from four to two, so lights stay green longer, and more vehicles can travel through the interchange. Additionally, the DDI increases safety because it reduces the number of vehicle-to-vehicle conflict points, which decreases the likelihood and severity of crashes.


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