Earlier Monday, Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Smith was joined by state legislators, local officials, and industry partners at a ribbon cutting ceremony for two new diverging diamond interchanges (DDI) on Interstate 65 near Whitestown in Boone County.
“The Whitestown area is one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana and nationally,” said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. “These interchanges will increase the safety and efficiency of traffic flow for residents and businesses as both the population and economy continue to grow in this part of the Hoosier state.”
The $62.9 million project constructed by E&B Paving, Inc. included the redesign and reconstruction of the existing interchange at I-65 and S.R. 267/Albert S. White Drive from a traditional diamond interchange to a DDI and construction of a new DDI approximately 1.5 miles at I-65 and County Road 550 South.
DDIs are designed to be safer, more efficient, and more cost effective than traditional diamond interchanges. DDI’s improve traffic flow at interchanges by briefly shifting traffic on the route intersecting the interstate to the opposite side of the road reducing conflict points between through traffic and traffic and entering and exiting the interstate. When entering a DDI, drivers cross over to the left side of the road, guided by signals, signs, and pavement markings to ensure safety.