If you've ever been stuck in traffic at the Airport Road, Interstate 26 interchange south of Asheville, you might be interested in the North Carolina Department of Transportation's new idea for addressing the problem: a "divergent diamond interchange."

A DDI "allows two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to the left side of the road. [The design] moves high volumes of traffic through an intersection without increasing the number of lanes or traffic singles," the narrator says in this DOT video.



"NCDOT is proposing to modify the existing interchange at I-26/N.C. 280 to a divergent diamond interchange. This relatively new design concept is simple and cost effective, and allows for improved traffic flow." (from DOT's press release):

"Attendees may drop by at any time during the workshop to speak individually with NCDOT staff and review project area maps. The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will also be provided. Comments and suggestions received will be considered during the design phase. There will not be a formal presentation.

For additional information, contact Dre Major, NCDOT Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit, at (919) 707-6028 or ujmajor@ncdot.gov."