Motorist will need to learn to navigate a new type of intersection after the Texas Department of Transportation opened the Diverging Diamond Interchange at University Boulevard and I-35 on Nov. 20. The intersection temporarily shifts traffic to the left side of the road, which allows through traffic and left-turning traffic to proceed though the intersection simultaneously, according to TxDOT. Because of this, the intersection does not feature left-turn arrows. “Diverging diamond intersections serve as relatively low cost improvements that will bring some much-needed traffic relief to the area,” said John Peters, TxDOT assistant area engineer, in a statement. “I’m excited for the DDI to open, as this project will greatly enhance safety and help motorists travel along and across the I-35 corridor by improving left-turn movements and allowing more vehicles to travel through the intersection in a single traffic light cycle.” The project is a joint effort between TxDOT and the city of Round Rock and cost about $7 million. The city will monitor and adjust signal timing at the DDI throughout the opening weekend as well as during morning and afternoon rush hours in coming days, according to a statement from the city of Round Rock.

Watch a sample video of the diverging diamond:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i6_UYu-tfY&w=560&h=315?modestbranding=1] Courtesy Texas Department of Transportation