Region’s First Diverging Diamond Interchange to Open November 15

Drivers should expect delays on SR 200 at I-95 this weekend during implementation

Yulee, Fla. – Northeast Florida will see the first diverging diamond interchange in Nassau County at I-95 and State Road 200/A1A open to traffic as early as Sunday November 15. The unique style of the interchange has proven to be a safer, more efficient interchange, improving traffic conditions where it has been implemented.

Detours will be necessary while crews stripe and shift traffic to implement the diverging diamond. Both directions of S.R. 200/A1A underneath I-95 will be closed beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 14 through 7 a.m. Sunday, November 15 for striping activities. Drivers will use I-95 and follow detour routes during the closure. Traffic will be reopened in the diverging diamond configuration, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.

“This interchange style is an example of innovation in the transportation industry,” said FDOT District Two Secretary Greg Evans. “FDOT is constantly looking for ways to improve the transportation experience for drivers and our commitment to safety. This interchange style harmonizes safety and efficiency and will serve the community, visitors and commercial interests for years to come.”

“This new interchange style reflects FDOT‘s innovative approach for not only efficiently moving traffic, but also in saving lives”, said Senator Aaron Bean. “This interchange will serve everyone for years to come”.

“Improving safety and traffic efficiency are worthy goals and FDOT has hit the mark with the new diverging diamond interchange in Nassau County,” said Representative Cord Byrd. “The patience of the people in Nassau County will be rewarded as the roadwork nears completion.”

A diverging diamond interchange is a style of interchange where the two directions of traffic underneath I-95 will briefly drive on the opposite side of the road. By moving traffic to the opposite side of the road, the interchange eliminates left turns in front of oncoming traffic, greatly improving safety. The movement within the interchange also eliminates the number of traffic signal phases, improving efficiency at the intersection and reducing traffic queues. For more information about the interchange, including a video on how to navigate this new traffic pattern, visit: www.NFLRoads.com/DDI.

The $41 million project was awarded to J.B. Coxwell Contracting, Inc. and is expected to be completed in fall 2020, unforeseen circumstances permitting.