Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - The Nevada Department of Transportation released a new video Monday reminding drivers how to navigate a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), which is temporarily in place at Tropicana over I-15.
Crews implemented the DDI following the demolition of the north half of the Tropicana Ave. bridge as part of the I-15/Tropicana Design Build project. The video includes animation and video detailing the movement of the interchange.
A diverging diamond interchange is a type of intersection that allows for two directions of traffic on the same road to temporarily cross over to the opposite side of the road. This design is intended to improve traffic flow and safety by reducing conflict points and eliminating the need for left turns across oncoming traffic.
In a DDI, drivers approaching the interchange follow a set of lane markings that guide them onto the opposite side of the road. Once on the opposite side, drivers can make left turns or continue straight through the interchange without crossing over opposing traffic.
Since the start of the interchange rebuild, NDOT has had to close Tropicana several times in the overnight hours to make adjustments in hopes of making things a little less confusing for drivers.