“Diverging diamond intersections serve as relatively low-cost improvements that will bring some much-needed traffic relief to the area,” said John Peters, Texas Department of Transportation 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.”

Final paving will likely occur in the spring when temperatures are warmer. Timeline: Oct. 2014-Nov. 2015 Cost: $7 million Funding sources: federal highway funds (80 percent), TxDOT (20 percent)

1. The most recognizable feature of the diverging diamond interchange is the crosspoints installed at both sides of the University Boulevard overpass. These crosspoints divert traffic to the left side of the road, which is intended to allow for more uninterrupted traffic flow onto and off of the interstate. Traffic signals at the crosspoints regulate the flow of eastbound and westbound traffic as well as the traffic exiting I-35 frontage roads. 
2. Eastbound University traffic turning south onto I-35 enters a dedicated lane that connects to a frontage road before entering the intersection. The same applies for westbound traffic turning onto northbound I-35.
3. Eastbound University traffic heading north on I-35 will move to the left lane before entering the intersection. Once the cars pass through the crosspoint, they merge onto the existing U-turn bridge and divert onto the northbound I-35 frontage road, where they have a dedicated lane intended to prevent merging backups. The same principle applies for westbound traffic heading south on I-35, with the exception that those cars have two lanes from which to exit and do not have to merge onto a U-turn bridge. Signs and street markings aim to direct drivers to the proper lanes.
4. Eastbound University traffic continuing across the overpass will move to either of the two right-hand lanes and continue through both crosspoints. The same applies for westbound traffic. 
5. Traffic exiting the northbound I-35 frontage road is diverted onto east- or westbound University. Traffic heading in either direction is able to merge onto University without crossing traffic coming from the opposite direction. Southbound I-35 frontage road traffic operates in the same way.
6. TxDOT built a bypass lane section of the southbound I-35 frontage road that allows traffic on the frontage road to travel underneath the intersection unimpeded. A northbound collector/distributor already existed.