PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The long-awaited diverging diamond interchange is now open at I-75 and State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Four years after the Florida Department of Transportation first let commuters know about this change, it’s finally open. They opened it on Sunday afternoon.

What You Need To Know

  • The diverging diamond interchange is now open at I-75 and State Road 56

  • This diamond design was chosen because of existing infrastructure and for how busy the area is

  • FDOT says follow the new lane lines and signs

  • Construction is continuing on the project into the summer

When exiting the interstate, the new diamond actually might make it feel like you’re driving the wrong way. That’s because it shifts all traffic to the left side of the road and then back to the right.

For drivers crossing State Road 56 or using the entrance ramps, there are new traffic lights.

This diamond design was chosen because of existing infrastructure and for how busy the area is. Businesses like the Tampa Premium Outlets and all the new housing nearby cause a lot of traffic.

While the interchange is now open, the $33.5 million project is not entirely done.

There will eventually be a third lane east and westbound on State Road 56 and an extra turn lane from the northbound exit ramp from I-75 to State Road 56. That’s expected to be done later this summer.

For navigating the new diamond, FDOT says to follow the new lane lines and signs.