I-70 Exit 26 Interchange Traffic to Switch to Diverging Diamond Configuration

GRAND JUNCTION— The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has been constructing the state’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at the I-70 Exit 26 interchange since early July. Work has now progressed to the point where traffic will be placed into the new DDI sometime on Tuesday evening, December 17th.

Because DDIs are so new, most drivers will notice the significantly different traffic pattern through the interchange come Wednesday morning. When driving a DDI, motorists proceed through a traffic signal at the entrance to the interchange, and simply follow their lane to the opposite side of the roadway. Motorists needing to access I-70 will turn left at the on-ramp without having to stop again or wait for oncoming traffic to pass. Through traffic proceeds to a second traffic signal and follows their lane back to the right side of the road.

“If you look at an aerial picture of a DDI, you may think that it could be a challenge to drive through,” said Rob Beck, resident engineer for CDOT in Grand Junction. “But in reality, a DDI is like every other interchange and has signs, pavement markings and traffic signals to guide motorists through it.”

“Taking Care To Get You There”