After two years of construction, Canada’s first diverging diamond interchange (DDI) opens to traffic at Macleod Trail and 162 Avenue in south Calgary.

The unique interchange is the second of four major interchange projects to open in Calgary this summer. The cost for all four projects is $255 million.

“Now is exactly the right time to be building. With the downturn in the economy and accelerated funding for projects like this, we’re creating jobs, taking advantage of lower prices and building critical transportation infrastructure that will reduce congestion on our roads,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

The new interchange, along with the 20 other projects to be finished this year, is expected to improve commuting around south Calgary.

“An interchange was needed at this location because of the traffic congestion from people moving along Macleod Trail, into the adjacent business and service area, and for people getting to their homes in the nearby communities,” said Ward 14 Councillor Peter Demong. “This area has had massive growth in the last 20 years.”

The DDI is designed in such a way that the two directions of traffic on 162 Avenue will briefly cross to the opposite side of the bridges over Macleod Trail. This allows more effective traffic flow at the traffic signals within the interchange and for left turning vehicles to move forward without crossing oncoming traffic.

Sidewalks and pathways in the area are also being improved to allow safer, more direct movements for people walking and cycling.

Additional closures and road construction will continue to take place through the remainder of August and into September in order to complete the roadway. This will be the last major stage of road construction for this project.

The $78 million project is expected to be fully complete this fall. The speed limit in the construction zone will remain at 50 km/hr until project completion.