First diverging diamond interchange almost complete in Tucson

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TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) – ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation) says the intersection on I-10 and Houghton Road should be ready by the end of the year.

The exchange is the first in southern Arizona to use what is known as a divergent diamond.

The new motorway junction is intended to increase the flow of traffic and be safer for motorists.

“The advantage of this is that there is no cross traffic when turning left,” said Garin Groff, a spokesman for ADOT. “You are already on the left-hand side of the road when you turn left onto the autobahn. This is more efficient and promotes safety as there is no collision between oncoming traffic and vehicles.”

Motorists aren’t allowed to turn red, but ADOT says it will make traveling easier.

“There are no red or green arrows to wait for,” said Groff. “If you see a green light, it just means go. It means go, if you are going straight, it means you are going, if you turn left.”

Groff said more of these exchanges may be on the way, but each is on a case-by-case basis. This was built to support additional volume in the area.

“With all the growth out there, we know that drivers appreciate all of those extra lanes,” said Groff. “These extra lanes for traffic going straight on I-10, extra lanes on the exit and entry ramps, a lot of extra capacity for left turns. That should really make traffic much smoother.”

For more information on the project, click here.

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