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New type of interchange project underway at I-10 and Houghton

Diverging Diamond Interchange
Posted at 4:39 PM, Jul 16, 2021
and last updated 2021-07-17 16:25:52-04

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Arizona Department of Transportation has a major project underway to improve traffic operations at I-10 and Houghton Road.

The new type of interchange called a 'Diverging Diamond Interchange' is expected to be finished by the end of this year.

The new interchange will affect traffic flow onto and off of I-10.

You can see how the interchange works in the video below:

New Houghton Road Diverging Diamond Interchange

Entering cars can turn left or right onto the freeway using the divided lanes of the exchange. That means some drivers will drive on the left of the road for a brief period.

It will also add stop lights to allow those exchange lanes to cross back over each other and correct the flow of traffic.

Major project elements include:

  • Construct a new, wider Houghton Road bridge over I-10 just west of the existing bridge
  • Widen Houghton Road to three lanes in each direction through the new interchange
  • Reconfigure the interchange as a Diverging Diamond Interchange
  • Realign Rocket Road on the north side of the interchange
  • Improve accessibility for bicycles and pedestrians

This type of interchange is safer, according to ADOT. This interchange will accommodate growth that area of town is seeing.

By the year 2045, Houghton Road is expected to see up to a 500-percent increase in traffic.

For more information about the project, visit here.