FOX POINT, Wis. — The diverging diamond interchange at the intersection of I-43 and Brown Deer Road is expected to open this Saturday.
There are four other diverging diamond interchanges open in the state: Two in Janesville, one in Appleton and one in Beloit.
The interchange off Brown Deer Road marks the first in southeastern Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) said the diverging diamond interchange is designed to “intuitively guide motorists through the pathways.”
The interchange has been under construction for over a year, resulting in countless closures. However, WisDOT said it is excited to open the interchange Saturday, barring the weather.
“It’s a great way to efficiently move traffic through,” Steve Hoff said. “So certainly, better access to businesses and connecting both sides from River Hills over to Bayside.”
Hoff, a WisDOT project manager, said this intersection design has proven to improve safety by eliminating the need to turn into oncoming traffic. It also improves the flow of cars by making it easier for drivers to turn left onto I-43.
This type of interchange reduces the number of ways vehicles can crash by almost half, according to WisDOT data.
Hoff said the diverging diamond interchange can look intimidating, since it briefly shifts traffic on Brown Deer Road to the opposite side of the roadway, but the lights and signs should guide drivers with ease.
“With this one, drivers will approach the intersection and briefly drive on the other side of the roadway,” Hoff said. “What that does is allows for a free-flow left turn onto the freeway, which is a quicker move than what would typically happen in a normal intersection — you have a left turn arrow.”
WisDOT said improved safety is always its the goal, especially in high-traffic areas — like the area off Brown Deer Road.
“By having that free-flow, you no longer have traffic coming towards you, so it will be a safer movement that way,” Hoff said.
With the area being under construction for over a year, some local businesses have had a bit of a headache with the closures. Joanne New, who owns Riverpoint Salons and Spa, said she is happy construction will finally be done, especially for this time of year.
“This is huge,” New said. “I didn’t even know that it was going to be done. So, it’s a wonderful surprise, as far as I’m concerned, especially going into the busiest time of the year for us: The holidays. For our clients too. As long as our clients can get here safe and efficiently.”
WisDOT said crews will continue to work on remaining portions of the interchange once it is open. Drivers can expect lane closures in the areas where work is taking place.