The second diverging diamond interchange (DDI) in Colorado has opened at the McClasin Boulevard bridge over U.S. 35 in the Louisville/Superior area.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony held Jan. 7 featured officials from the two municipalities, the U.S. 35 Express Lane Project team, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and CDOT’s High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE).
“Opening the state’s second DDI is truly a reason for celebration,” says CDOT Executive Director Shailen Bhatt. “We know construction is frustrating for drivers, but now, anyone crossing US 36 between Louisville and Superior can do so quicker and safer. DDIs will be more prevalent in Colorado and, in fact, we have one opening later this year in Colorado Springs.”
This project is one of only 34 DDIs in the country. The design eliminates left turns that have to clear opposing traffic, a system that is useful in high-traffic areas. DDIs can cut down on congestion, improve safety and move traffic along faster than traditional interchanges.
The Missouri Department of Transportation installed the first DDI in the country in Springfield in 2009. Colorado’s first DDI in Grand Junction opened in 2014.
The U.S. 36 Express Lanes Project is dubbed “innovation corridor” in the area. The city of Louisville, town of Superior and the Regional Transportation District will pay for the DDI portion of the project, which also included new bus ramps constructed underneath the ramps to U.S. 36.
Officials at the diverging diamond interchange at the McCaslin Boulevard bridge at U.S. 36 in Colorado.
