MoDOT plans unique design for I-44/Hwy. 13 interchange

The design, known as a diverging diamond and used in Europe, calls for the opposing lanes of Highway 13 to be reconstructed to criss-cross at traffic signals at the ends of the bridge over I-44.

Oncoming traffic will cross the bridge on the right side, separated by concrete barriers and screening, according to a news release. This will give left-turning vehicles on Highway 13 a “free left” to the I-44 on-ramp, and traffic continuing north or south on Highway 13 will be able to travel more steadily through the interchange.

A video demonstration can be viewed below.

The design is expected to be:

• built quicker, in six to nine months, instead of at least two years, because the existing bridge will be used;

• less expensive, with an estimated $2.5 million price tag by using the existing bridge and property, instead of $8.5 million for standard interchange reconstruction; and

• safer, with no left-turn lanes to fill up the bridge and “free left” turns at the ramps on either end of the bridge, reducing left-turn and rear-end crashes, according to the release.

A bid should be approved in December, and work is slated to begin early next year, with tentative completion scheduled for summer or fall of 2009. There will be lane closings and traffic shifts on Highway 13, but two southbound lanes and one northbound lane will be open at all times.

MoDOT is considering employing the diverging diamond interchange design elsewhere in Springfield and the state, the release said.

MoDOT is soliciting public input on the project; send to 3025 E. Kearney St., Springfield, MO, 65803 or at www.modot.org under the “Contact Us” tab.

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