There are several interstate interchange designs that you may encounter on a daily basis including: There is the cloverleaf design, the trumpet design and the original diamond design.

  • Diverging diamond interchange crisscross, says FDOT spokesman
  • 2 interchanges are planned: One on I-95, Micco Road; other on I-95, Viera Boulevard
  • Sarasota's I-75 is Florida's first diverging diamond interchange

However, there may be a new sheriff in town when it comes to interchanges. They are called the diverging diamond interchanges. And they're coming to Central Florida. So what exactly are they?

"Diverging diamond is a little different,” said FDOT spokesman Steve Olson. “The lanes kind of crisscross. You know, you make that immediate left-hand turn and it looks like you're on the left side of the road (and you are), but then you eventually make your way onto the right-hand side."

FDOT cites a couple of benefits to this design.

"Basically, diverging diamonds helps you if you have a tight corridor and you don't have a lot of room to spread out that interchange,” said Olson. “The diverging diamond is a little compact. Plus, it also takes what the engineers call 'conflict points' out of the equation. Especially if you are making left-hand turns. You are making an immediate left and not crossing over another lane."

These types of interchanges are so new in fact, that the first one in Florida opened up at Sarasota's Interstate 75 and University Parkway interchange back in late May. The interchange was not only proclaimed by FDOT officials to be the first one in Florida, but also the biggest in the nation.

Currently, FDOT has two projects along the I-95 corridor that are receiving diverging diamond interchanges. The first is at Micco Road and that is already under construction.

The second is just about to start major work at a more heavily travelled exit: Viera Boulevard. Both interchanges are expected to open up sometime in 2019.

The first diverging diamond interchanges may be along the I-95 corridor in Brevard County, but the next wave after that may be coming here to I-4. But Olson said it would not be part of the I-4 Ultimate Project.

"When we do future I-4 expansion beyond the current construction, we're looking at six opportunities on the west or east side to put in those diverging diamond interchanges,” said Olson.