I-95 Express Lanes Phase 3B-2

Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Palm Beach County, Florida
FPID Nos.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01, & 435384-1-52-01
FAP Nos.: 0951-695-I, 0951-680-I, & D418-011-B
Contract No.: E4T19
City of Boca Raton - Commission Workshop
September 23, 2019
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Project Overview
LIMITS:
SR 9/I-95: from S of Glades Rd to S of Linton Boulevard,
Palm Beach County, Florida
Glades Rd: From Butts Road to W University Drive, Palm
Beach County, Florida
MUNICIPALITIES:
o City of Boca Raton
o City of Delray Beach

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 2
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Project Overview
Project Purpose:
o Implement Express Lanes that will provide additional capacity to the
mainline, resulting in more reliable travel times and reduced user delay;
o Implement design to address traffic spillback onto I-95;
o Reconfigure Glades Rd Interchange to improve traffic operations, reduce
congestion, and increase safety.

Project Need:
o Alleviate existing and future traffic congestion thereby improving safety at
the interchange.

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 3
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

New Noise Walls within City Limits

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 4
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

What is a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)?

A Diverging Diamond Interchange is

a form of Diamond Interchange that
allows the two directions of traffic
45 STREET

on the crossroad to temporarily

divide and cross to the opposite side
of the road to provide easier left-
turns to and from the freeway.

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 5
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

DDIs around the US:

• 1st DDI in the US: Springfield, MO – June 2009
• There are 105 DDIs across the United States
• 1st DDI in Florida: Sarasota, FL – July 2017
(Constructed by Prince Contracting, LLC.)

Operational
In Construction
Advanced Design
In Study
I-95 at Glades Rd.

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 6
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Benefits
• Fewer conflict points (14 for DDI, 26 for conventional Diamond) Conflict Points in a Conflict Points in a
Conventional Diamond DDI
• Conflict points spread out throughout interchange
• Improved intersection sight distance
• Inherent traffic calming
• Wrong way entry to ramps extremely difficult
• Pedestrian crossings are shorter
• More efficient use of lanes than other interchange types
• Existing bridge can usually be used
• Construction time is reduced
• Unique phase combinations
• “Free” or simple left and right turns from freeway
• Reduces queue spillback onto the directions
• Increases left turn lane capacity without needing more lanes
• Only two phases needed for traffic signals, shorter cycle length

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 7
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Benefits
• Lanes with multiple assignments in all directions
• Better storage between the ramp terminals
• More functional during a power outage
• U-turns from highway are accommodated well
• Better signal network synchronization
• The two-phase signal better serves pedestrian
movements compare to three-phase
• With the separation and channelization of the directions
of vehicular traffic, pedestrians only have to cross one
direction of traffic at a time

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 8
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Frequently Asked Questions

• When should a DDI be considered?
o Any interchange where traffic signals can be expected on the cross road.

• Is there a difference if the highway goes over or under the cross road?
o Not really. Proper sight distance considerations should be given for the right turns from the ramps if there is a
structure in the way.

• How will the DDI function during a power outage?

o The geometry will guide drivers to the correct location with the only difference being that there will be a full stop
condition at the crossovers instead of a signal control.

• Will the DDI cause driver confusion?

o When designed properly, the DDI should not cause any driver confusion.

• Are there headlight concerns, since traffic is directly in front of each other before the crossovers?
o No. The headlights do not affect the crossover movements since vehicles are angled away from each other at the
crossovers. Source: https://divergingdiamond.com

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 9
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should the ramp turning movements be signalized?
o It depends on several factors such as sight distance, traffic volumes, and queuing concerns. If for some reason, the
geometry does not give good guidance for left turns from the ramp, a signal is advisable.

• How does the DDI affect adjacent intersections?

o The progression of traffic changes with a DDI since the DDI acts essentially as a split-phased signal. This may allow
other signalized intersections to be placed closer to the interchange than is typical.

• How will/does the public react to the DDI?

o If presented properly, the public is generally receptive to the design once they fully understand it. It looks confusing
to them when they see the DDI from plan view. However, the public is generally impressed after they see the design
in action and they get all the proper information of the operations, safety, and costs.

• Is a DDI better in an urban or rural setting?

o The DDI can be placed in any setting. A DDI in a rural area may have the advantage of different signal progression
options. A DDI in an urban area has the advantage of being able to fit in a tight area.
Source: https://divergingdiamond.com

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 10
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

I-75 at University Parkway Interchange DDI

• I-75 Corridor
o From north of Fruitville Road to north of
University Parkway
o Approximately 3.5 mi

• University Parkway Corridor

o From Cooper Creek Boulevard/Cattlemen
Road to
o Market Street/Lake Osprey Drive
o Approximately 1.0 mi

• Opened to traffic in May 2017

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 11
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

I-75 at University Parkway Interchange DDI in Sarasota

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 12
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

RFP Glades Interchange Concept

• Single-point entrances added to
address weaving and to pull
Interstate commuters from the
arterial onto C-D roads.
• Additional lane(s) proposed at I-95
exit ramps.
• Grade-separated flyover bridge
allowing I-95 commuters to bypass
the Glades Road / NW 15th Avenue
/ Airport Road Intersection. I-95
commuters traveling NB along NW
15th Avenue would be required to
cross Glades Road and enter the
Interstate via a left-turn entrance at
a new signalized intersection
located along Airport Road.

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 13
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

I-95 at Glades Road Interchange DDI

• Enhanced motorist/pedestrian/bicyclist
safety and reduction of overall conflict
points.
• Elimination of auxiliary lane widening
along I-95 Mainline beneath Glades
Road due to the elimination of
proposed loop ramps from RFP
Concept.
• Reduction of signal phases at ramp
terminal intersections. Crossover
intersections allow motorists to enter
Interstate via free-flow movements.
• Comprehensive pavement marking and
signage plan will be implemented to
ensure all users understand proper
lane guidance in advance of the
required movement(s).

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 14
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Benefits

Pedestrian Path
• Center 10-ft wide pedestrian walkway
• Protected signalized crossing to center walkway
• Crossing one direction at a time
• Short crossing distances
• No exposure to free-flowing left turns to freeway
• Pedestrian delay to center minimize by short cycles at two-phase signals

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 15
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Benefits

Bicycle Path
• Dedicated seven (7) foot buffered
bicycle lane through the interchange
provide zero (0) conflict points with
vehicular traffic
• Recreational cyclist likely to use sidewalk
have a center 10-ft wide pedestrian
walkway

Source: Utah DOT DDI Guidelines

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 16
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Benefits
• Reduction of bridge
widening required for
Glades Rd. Bridges
over I-95 and Military
Trail
• No Right of Way RFP Concept
acquisition to the
treatment plant
• Treatment plant
utilities avoided
• Reduced traffic
impacts during
construction

DDI Concept

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 17
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Benefits
• Elimination of the RFP
Concept’s 215’ two-span
Ramp F flyover bridge
• Direct interstate access
from the arterial
intersection (NW 15th
Ave NB traffic not using
Airport Road)

RFP Concept

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 18
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Benefits
• Elimination of hairpin
turn and substandard
radii (truck traffic from
NW 15th Ave NB or from
treatment plant)

RFP Concept

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 19
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Benefits
• Replacing a 2-lane free
flow pedestrian crossing
with a 1-lane free flow
pedestrian crossing
allows for a safer
crossing of the
interchange entrance
ramp RFP Concept

DDI Concept

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 20
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

RFP Concept LOS Diagram (Lane Configuration, Delay and LOS)

Airport Rd
Glades Rd Glades Rd
1 Glades Rd
2 3 I-95 On Ramp
4

I-95 NB On Ramp
I-95 SB Off Ramp

NW 15th Avenue

Airport Rd
Level Of Service AM Delay / LOS
A B C D E F PM Delay / LOS

12.1 B
4
17.7 B
18.7 B
30.4 C

1
61.5 E
33.2 C

2
48.7.D
30.5 C

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 21
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

DDI Concept LOS Diagram (Lane Configuration, Delay and LOS)

Glades Rd Glades Rd Glades Rd

1 2 3

I-95 NB Off Ramp

I-95 SB Off Ramp

Airport Rd.
Level Of Service AM Delay / LOS
A B C D E F PM Delay / LOS

10.3 B
19.3 B

1
35.8 D
31.4 C

26.5 C
23.1 C

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 22
 I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Glades Road DDI Summary of Benefits

• Reduction of over 8,000 LF of Retaining Wall.
• Elimination of 0.38 acres of R/W acquisition from the City of Boca Raton.
• Elimination of various utility relocations by City of Boca Raton east of Airport Rd., including: 36” WM, 12” Reclaimed
WM, 16” Reclaimed WM.
• Enhanced motorist/pedestrian/bicyclist safety and reduction of overall conflict points.
• Elimination of auxiliary lane widening beneath Glades Rd. due to the elimination of proposed loop ramps by the RFP
Concept.
• Elimination of throw-away work (600’ of widening and Retaining
Wall) from overlapping project limits with I-95 EL Phase 3B-1. Due to
reduction in SB widening required with DDI, project construction now
begins at Station 3188+76.98.
• Elimination of additional intersection and left-turn signal.
• Elimination of loop ramps and existing weave from entrance ramps to
I-95 GP lanes.
• Improvement of RFP concept to provide compliant EL ingress weaving
distances.
• Throughput along Glades Rd. improved due to decreased intersection
delay in the vicinity of the interchange
FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 23
I-95 Phase 3B-2 - Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Glades Road

Any Questions?

THANK YOU!

FPID No.: 433109-5-52-01, 433109-5-52-02, 412420-4-52-01 & 435384-1-52-01 | Contract No.: E4T19 24