It’s one of the largest and costliest planned infrastructure projects in the region in a single spot, using a relatively new concept in interchange engineering in the United States: a $257 million reconstruction of the I-95 interchange at U.S. 1, a few miles south of the Flagler-Volusia county line, into a “diverging diamond” intended to reduce crash-prone conflict points and increase roadway capacity, with additional lanes on U.S. 1 and shared-use paths for walkers and bikers.
The project length covers 6.39 miles in total, counting all four sets of lanes on the two crisscrossing highways. The design of the project alone cost $12.8 million and the development and environmental study $2.9 million. Acquisition of rights of way cost $38.4 million. Construction will cost what is currently estimated at $203 million, though that phase is not yet funded, and the cost could very well rise with time, as it already has. A previous estimate of construction cost in March 2023 was $169 million.
If funding is secured–it would have to be a state appropriation, likely blending state and federal infrastructure dollars–construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2027. Some 18 parcels will be impacted by the project, including two businesses that would have to be displaced.
Diverging diamond interchanges were first built in this country in 2009 (in Springfield, Missouri), the year Popular Science called them one of the 100 best innovations of the year, as if they were invented here. They were not. France has been building divergent diamond interchanges since the 1970s.
Some 90 such interchanges have been built in the United States since 2009, only about half a dozen of them in Florida, at high-volume interchanges. The diverging diamond lowers potential conflict points from 26 to 14, reducing collisions by half. According to the Federal Highway Administration, diverging diamond intersections cost less to build than traditional interchanges, and at higher-volume interchanges, can reduce delays by 15 to 60 percent while improving traffic efficiency–the number of cars making it through the intersection–by 10 to 30 percent. In one case study for an I-15 diamond interchange in Utah, the FAA concluded that “The new DDI can comfortably accommodate 40,000 vehicles per day, 10,000 more than the conventional diamond interchange alternative.” See more FAA details here.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold the latest in a series of public meeting regarding project plans on May 22 at 5:30 p.m. at The Chapel, 1805 U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach.
The purpose of the project, FDOT says in a release, is to enhance safety and operations at the I-95 interchange and along U.S. 1 between Plantation Oaks Boulevard/Broadway Avenue and Destination Daytona Lane. The interchange improvements will involve converting the existing interchange to a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), a conceptually different design than cloverleaf intersections. (This map points out where the crashes are most frequent.)
The project proposes widening U.S. 1 from two lanes in each direction to three, as well as adding shared-use paths to accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians, and other users.
All participants at the public meeting or through remote options, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting and receive the same information.
Participants may attend in person by going to The Chapel anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. At any point, whether you attend the meeting or not, you may submit a comment through this comment form.
Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5383897662006243680. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.
Those who cannot attend the meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/419772-3. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Kathleen Enot directly at 386-943-5149 or [email protected] to receive project documents.
Those who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Edward Colon at 407-893-5847 or [email protected] at least seven days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
JimboXYZ says
Looks like they add a lane ? Use concrete islands & lights to slow traffic ? I think, having been there when it sucked to be me & anyone else. Too many motorists still for the roads. This concept slows traffic, it’ll backup out onto I-95 & US-1 like it already does & worse for the growth. 10 gallons of poop in a 5 gallon bucket again. It’s almost like they’ll have to lengthen, even straighten the on/off lanes of I-95 & US-1. It is what it is at Destination Daytona and the problem is Destination Daytona as an attraction for that level of gridlock. Too many motorists trying to get from the left most lanes to the right most to go into DD with that much traffic.
It’s more confusing but it’s a combination of traffic lights with a round about. The whole point will be to slow traffic, which already happens as the problem. This doesn’t solve much of anything really. Motorists will always be somewhere where they aren’t trying to get into another lane with not enough space to get that done. Take the Sunpass lanes of at least South FL That caused more traffic problems than it solved because the lanes were now designated for longer commuters, they added a lane or rather even widened existing lanes & taking one for the relative Express Lane. I recall when they opened that, SUV motorists flipped their vehicles, accidents galore. And it was simply because traffic was gridlock, nobody could get in or out of the lane they either wanted to be in or not be in too late for at least safety.
Those renderings are comical, hardly representative of the reality of gridlock which is when the accidents are happening most. That level of traffic & spacing is wishful thinking. that isn’t DD for Bike Week festivities or even the peak traffic of day to day. From those renderings, is there even any need for that level of complexity for the interchange ? That the current system is capable of handling ? 1-2 gallons of poop in a 5 gallon bucket ?
Jim says
You might try reading the article before spouting your stream of thoughts for our amusement. The article clearly indicates traffic flow is smoother and they are adding a third lane. Hardly a recipe for slowing traffic down. Sure hope at some point you learn not to “shoot, point and aim” before you attempt to write something coherent for a change!
By the way, no mention of Biden here. Are you slipping or since it’s a Florida project it’s okay?
Mark says
Still being paid for by Federal Dollars from Uncle Joe that the Florida Representatives all Voted Against.
Which way to Highway North says
#1 – The artist’s rendering contains a type-o: Left lane US 1 north is exiting to 95 NORTH, not 95 south, as it states. I hope they see that prior to painting the road!
#2 – Conflict points reduced, yatta yatta, but pedestrian conflict points increase 100% from 4 to 8.
Not worth it to me for hundreds of millions.
atwp says
This idea maybe safer, it looks confusing to me. Cyclists and walkers in a high traffic area is always problematic in my opinion. We will see what happens.
D. Francis says
I can’t be the only one who looks at this and immediately thinks … this is not going to go well. Let’s just throw in more lanes, more turns, traffic crisscrossing and it will be smooth as butter.
I hope the plans include an ambulance station in the middle.
Joe D says
The positives seem to be reducing collisions by 1/2, increasing traffic efficiency by 15-60%, and it’s cheaper (?) to build than a traditional interchange.
The negatives are an UNFUNDED price tag of $203 million and an increase in price since March of 2023 from $169 million…that’s a tremendous increase in projected costs in just a bit over 1 year. Are these PROJECT ESTIMATES or real time contractor bids? Why such a JUMP in one year?
Of course, it’s comparing APPLES to ORANGES, but I personally would like to see a traffic collision decrease and traffic efficiency increase in the Orlando area! If I had to deal with the insanity of driving I-4 (pretty much at ANYTIME), on a daily basis for work, I would lose my MIND!
Of course there is the possibility of whispering that DIRTY WORD…..TOLL? Not sure my ALREADY TAXED retirement budget can withstand MY share of an ADDITIONAL $203 million construction expense. I’m barely surviving with property tax and property insurance increases, as it is now.
Has there been enough study that such construction is NEEDED NOW? I guess if the land purchases have been made (probably accounting for most of the 1 year price jump), I guess the public meetings are designed to CONVINCE local citizens something the Local Government has already decided we NEED.
atwp says
257m $, is the figure for now. That figure might triple a year or two from now. Who knows?
Jim says
This is an example of where the government fails to spend our tax dollars efficiently. I understand the purpose of the “DDI” system and I accept that it results in a net improvement in flow and safety. But we’re talking about $257M dollars to accomplish this. $257M! I can think of many, many ways to spend this kind of money on other things this state needs that would improve our lives much better. Heck, even putting the $257M towards a reduction in home insurance rates would be a better use for the money (although I’m not recommending that; just a better expenditure in my mind).
I know this will go through and everyone will think it’s wonderful but it’s $257M dollars! That is just a ridiculous way to spend money.
Thanks, Florida government, for yet again showing a real lack of understanding of what this state needs. Makes me feel so much better every time I spend money in this state. Keep up the great work!
Yellowstone says
Diamond, why a diamond? Florida’s favorite traffic remedy is a Circle; aka Round-About.
An I-95 Roundabout near the World’s Favorite Beach town and Motorcycle World would be an attraction to Volusia County. A real first for the nation’s I-95.
What do think Ed?
Skibum says
Despite the negative comments from others who may have never heard of the diverging diamond concept and think it looks confusing, yes it is something new around here but where these innovative designs have been implemented, the results I have reviewed show an increase in traffic efficiency and a decline in intersection collisions. There always is a learning curve for drivers who have to navigate a new driving pattern, but if FDOT has good signage and marks directional arrows on the pavement to help eliminate wrong way drivers, I think it will go a long way to help along the U.S. 1 corridor.
Mike Bike says
The inherent problem with this idea in this area is that many times a year most of the traffic through this area will be by people not from this area. Mass confusion will surely ensue for the visitors who’ve never seen this before. Bikes, pedestrians, half drunk. No, this is a disastrous idea. A “normal” interchange will suffice – something better than the reverse loop around nonsense there now.
Billy says
Waste of tax dollars, its fine as is!
Dennis C Rathsam says
Folks, Relax, the goverment is you friend!!!! They know whats best.Dont you know by now your voice is like a raindrop in the ocean! Bend over and take it like a man?
cpp says
I can pretty much guarantee you this project will come in well over the projected cost. Highway projects always run over. But this area needs relief. The development in the area which means the traffic will grow with the proposed Ormond Crossings and 2,950 homes and the already under construction PLantation Oaks and NO it’s not caused by Bike Week it’s all weeks throughout the year and US-1 is getting busier by the year.. Getting onto I-95 from US 1 going south has been a huge issue since this intersection was built and traffic will just continue. One big issue lies within 1000 ft of the south of US-1, the Fla East Coast Railway. You just can’t move a railway. But it looks like this plan will help that by putting a south bound exit off of US-1 to I-95 without having to do the stupid loop. IN Fla the build it and they will come, will they came and now those that came are complaining about the others moving into Fla. Laughable.
Celia Pugliese says
Overpriced and unneeded project. Look at the deaths already in the round abouts and overturned loaded truck? With no monitoring these projects do not work, as were is the FDLE we pay to monitor speeding? Like the No Truck ordinance in Florida Park Drive…also two dangerous roads along Cimmaron and not even counted for improvement to prevent speeding in our 2035 plans?
I love Florida but the infrastructure is not properly addressed, roads, water, sewer and storm water. Astronomical cost of overpriced contracts to do any work and approved with flying colors. Also lately refusing FED funds badly needed.
Diane Olsen says
OMG This is what happens with corrupt politicians easy to buy off. WHO IN THE WORLD thought this a wise move? Clearly someone was easily led by the backers and the willingness to get Fed money to destroy what normally is a smooth operation.
The best one can sell is a possibility of 10% increase in traffic FOR 257 MILLION DOLLARS? The concept originally designed in France, because, they know driving and traffic WHO HATES CARS, right?
This is another wet dream for a liberal trying to AFFECT and destroy an area, forever placing their mark. In what world do you think it’s a smooth running operation to have traffic have to cross your lane to the other side, then cross back over. THIS IS DESIGNED to force traffic congestion, everyone slam on the brakes for an unnatural driving cris-crossing the road – no doubt trying to sell that they have to “slow down” which is not good for traffic while creating accidents.
I recommend you go with real life experience than the people making money for suckering you in to agreeing so they get this contract. This is a heavily travelled area and you will create an absolute nightmare. In small Santa Fe, NM, you should try checking it out! CANCEL IT NOW before it’s too late.
Richard William Sawicki says
I’m sure the ‘powers to be’ have thought this out very well . . NOT !!! with the planned [already started] 500 homes just south of this project on Plantation Oaks Blvd. and the newly announced housing project in Bunnell [listed as 6,000] YES, that Six Thousand units, where in hell do you think this traffic is going to get better? Every BIKE WEEK and BIKETOBERFEST Event it becomes a nightmare to move through this immediate area . . AND you think this is going to be the Solve-All . . NOPE! you need to redesign, reconfigure, relocate this interchange entirely . . AND how about getting to control those large trucks from making U-turns where there is plainly marked NO TRUCK U-TURN signs. they are destroying the shoulders and island areas now . . I can imagine how it’s going to tear-up the landscape once this Morphydite is possibly completed in our lifetime . . . FL-DOT can’t even come back and finish the paving on Route 1 South from the County line to Willmette Avenue . . Where’s that money gone to???
cpp says
Interesting comment relocate this interchange entirely. And where would that be, further south, the routing of traffic from US-1 would still be a cluster and the cost huge!. .
titfortat says
I have to laugh. US 1 was THE interstate back before I-95 and I-75 were ever built through to Florida. Then a complaint came in about no traffic lights at dangerous, dark intersections along US1 (Mantanzas Pkwy and Old Dixie Highway) and The republican Florida DOT decided round-a-bouts would be a great thing – 65 mph, then 55 mph, then suddenly 35 mph and 25 mph before you hit the roundabout.
Then there is the meth-head FDOT that put 45 mph signs on the short ramps going from Palm Coast Parkway ONTO the interstate (south). Speed limit on the interstate highway is 70 mph. Imagine merging into traffic going 45 as that stupid, ill-concieved/placed sign tells drivers to do. I BET those signs were supposed to go on the opposite side coming OFF of the interstate onto Palm Coast Parkway. I drive every day on that ramp behind drivers heeding those signs and hitting the interstate going only 45, some barely missing being hit by faster moving traffic on I-95. The same methheads also put the same type of sign on Mantanzas Pkwy’s ramp. NO WHERE ELSE in the region are there misplace ramp signs like those. Fix them!