Diverging diamond interchanges coming to South Mountain Freeway
Aug 19, 2019, 4:15 AM | Updated: 11:22 am
(ADOT Photo)
PHOENIX — No, it’s not Great Britain. Valley drivers will soon be driving on the left side of the road.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is installing diverging diamond interchanges on the future South Mountain Freeway.
“You approach on the right-hand side of the road and you cross to the left to go through the interchange,” Spokesman Tom Herrmann said. “It allows you turn left without cutting across traffic.”
Drivers then get onto Loop 202. Herrmann also says drivers will have flashing signs to help them reorient, but the interchanges should boost safety and traffic flow.
“And then, once you’re through the interchange, we move you back to the side we’re all comfortable on — the right side of the road,” Herrmann said.
Diverging diamond interchanges will go up at Desert Foothills Parkway and 17th Avenue. The freeway should open in December.