1.

0 INTRODUCTION

A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), sometimes reference to as a Double

Crossover Diamond Interchange (DDC), is a diamond interchange that more efficient heavy
left-turn movements. While the ramp configuration is similar to traditional diamond
interchange, traffic on the cross route moves to the left side of the roadway for the segment
between signalized ramp intersections. By moving traffic to the left, left tuning vehicle can
enter the limited access highway without the need for a left-turn signal phase at the signalized
ramp intersections. Also, left-turning vehicles on the cross route do not conflict with opposing
throught traffic may turn without stopping.

This is a new type of interchange design that has very few installations in the U.S.
This form of diamond interchange has the two directions of minor street traffic cross to the
opposite side of the roadway under/over structure. This allows for two-phase signal operation
since the left turn occur between the two signal in such away that they do not cross the
opposing trough movement.

The "diverging diamond" highway interchange is being put to the test in Missouri.
Fans of the new design say it improves traffic flow by eliminating problematic left turns.
There's just one catch it briefly sends cars over to the left side of the road.

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2.0 DEFINITION

A diverging diamond interchange is a rare form of diamond interchange in which

the two directions of traffic on the non-freeway road cross to the opposite side on both sides
of the bridge at the freeway. It is unusual in that it requires traffic on the freeway overpass (or
underpass) to briefly drive on the opposite side of the road from what they are accustomed.
Like the continuous flow intersection, the diverging diamond interchange allows for two-
phase operation at all signalized intersections within the interchange. This is a significant
improvement in safety, since no left turns must clear opposing traffic and all movements are
discrete, with most controlled by traffic signals.

Additionally, the design can improve the efficiency of an interchange, as the lost time
for various phases in the cycle can be redistributed as green time, there are only two clearance
intervals, the time for traffic signals to change from green to yellow to red, instead of the six
or more found in other interchange designs. Some of the intersections in the design can be
unsignalized. The left turn from the freeway off-ramp, for example, can form an auxiliary lane
that then becomes an exit-only lane for the entrance ramp to the freeway in the opposite
direction. Omitting the traffic signals for the left turn movements off the freeway only works
well with single left turns and when short queues exist within the interchange on the arterial
street.

Example in Malaysia at The Damansara-Puchong Expressway or Lebuhraya

Damansara-Puchong, LDP, is a major expressway in Klang Valley, Selangor in Malaysia. It
links major townships in Damansara and Puchongand decreases travel time between them.
Besides that, the 40 km (24.8 miles) expressway provides better accessibility to these areas
via links to other expressways in Klang Valley, such as Federal Highway, Puchong-Sungai
Besi Highway, New Pantai Expressway, Sprint Expressway, Sungai Buloh Highway,
and Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2). This expressway is part of the Kuala
Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2 Scheme.

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3.0 DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHAGE IN
MALAYSIA (DDI)

In Malaysia at The Damansara-Puchong

Expressway or Lebuhraya Damansara-
Puchong, LDP, is a major expressway in Klang
Valley, Selangor in Malaysia. It links major
townships in Damansara and Puchongand
decreases travel time between them. Besides that,
the 40 km (24.8 miles) expressway provides
better accessibility to these areas via links to other
expressways in Klang Valley, such as Federal Highway, Puchong-Sungai Besi
Highway, New Pantai Expressway, Sprint Expressway, Sungai Buloh Highway, and Kuala
Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2). This expressway is part of the Kuala Lumpur Middle
Ring Road 2 Scheme.

3.1 Diverging Diamond Interchange in Malaysia

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 Diverging Diamond Interchange at Malaysia is at The Damansara-Puchong
Expressway or Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong(LDP), is a major expressway in Klang
Valley, Selangor in Malaysia.

3.2 Sketching

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3.3 Picture Of Diverging Diamond Interchange in

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 Malaysia

Diagram 1.2 : Diagram illustrating traffic movements in the interchange.

Diagram 1.3 : Ilustrating of Diverging Diamond Interchange

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Diagram 1.4 : Design of Diverging Diamond Interchange

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3.4 Releted Items Of Diverging Diamond Interchange

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4.0 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF

DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE

Advantages
• The diverging diamond interchange offers a number of different types of advantages
over the standard diamond interchange ranging from operations to safety.
• Preliminary analysis has shown that the higher the exchange traffic, the greater the
relative increase in capacity of a (DDI) over a standard diamond interchange.
• Provides for two phase signals with short cycle lengths, significantly reducing delay
• Reduced horizontal curvature reduces risk of off-road crashes
• Increases the capacity of turning movements to and from the ramps
• May potentially reduce the number of lanes on the crossroad, minimizing impacts to
existing right-of-way
• Substantially reduces the number of conflict points theoretically improving safety
• Theoretically improves pedestrian safety.

Disadvantages
• Drivers may not be familiar with configuration, particularly with regards to merging
maneuvers along the left side of the roadway or the reversed flow of traffic.
• Pedestrians would be required to cross free-flowing traffic on freeway ramps. This
could be mitigated by signalizing all movements without impacting the two-phase
nature of the interchange’s signals.
• Free-flowing traffic in both directions on the non-freeway road is impossible, as the
signals cannot be green at both intersections for both directions simultaneously.

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5.0 CONCLUSION

The diverging diamond interchange is a valid concept that should be included as a

viable option that is studied when developing potential interchange improvements. It should
not be considered as a panacea. There have not been enough studies to determine with
certainty when or where it should or should not be used. It appears, however, that used with
judgment and in the right circumstances, the DDI can provide a substantial improvement in
capacity and operations while keeping costs reasonable.

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