How do I drive through the Diverging Diamond Interchange?

(computer animation)

What does a Diverging Diamond Interchange Look Like?

There are three Diverging Diamond Interchanges open to traffic in the Southwest District.  The interchange on Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) at I-44 in northwest Springfield opened in June 2009.  The Route 13/I-44 interchange was the first of its kind built in the United States.  The second interchange on National Avenue at Route 60 (James River Freeway) in south Springfield opened in July 2010. 

The third interchange is in Branson on Route 248 at Route 65.  The newest DDI opened Nov. 20, 2011.

Other DDI interchanges are planned in the southwest Missouri area including:

• I-44/Range Line Road (Business 71) in Joplin
• Chestnut Expressway (Bus. 65) at Route 65 in Springfield
• Christian County Route CC/J at Route 65 in Ozark
• Battlefield Road at Route 65 in Springfield

Reasons for using a Diverging Diamond Interchange design:

MoDOT engineers believe the Diverging Diamond Interchange is a good fit for some interchanges where space and funds are limited. The design helps relieve congestion in a tight area and is a quicker, cheaper reconstruction than more conventional interchange projects:

• The existing bridges can remain in place.  It may be necessary to widen them, but the most of the structures are in good shape to use with the DDI design.

• Construction is shortened because the existing interchange bridge and ramps can be used, but with some modifications. That means a shorter time period for traffic disruptions.

• Since much of the existing infrastructure can be used it is cheaper to build.

• A DDI interchange can reduce traffic congestion by up to 50%.

• Left-turn crashes are eliminated and rear-end crashes reduced.
  

For more information, contact our Southwest District Office at 417.895.7600 or 1.888.275.6636 .

Last updated: Jan. 2012