DOT Announces Decision to Rebuild I-590/Winton Interchange

ALBANY, NY (02/19/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced it will construct a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) to improve traffic conditions and highway safety at the interchange of Interstate 590 and Winton Road in the town of Brighton, Monroe County. It will be the first of its kind constructed in New York State. Construction is slated to begin in March 2011.

NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said, "I am pleased that New York State will be one of the first to adopt this modern interchange design that uses a unique traffic configuration to greatly increase safety for motorists and pedestrians alike, while also solving a long-standing congestion problem for commuters at this busy interchange. The Diverging Diamond design can accomplish these things at a cost far lower than other comparable options, furthering Governor David Paterson's goal of making smart and efficient investments to upgrade our transportation infrastructure across New York."

A Diverging Diamond Interchange is a unique roadway design that requires traffic on the non-freeway road to briefly drive on the opposite side of the road. Traffic crosses from the right to the left side of the highway at signalized intersections, allowing a free flow of traffic onto the interstate. This configuration eliminates left turns across traffic and minimizes conflict points, resulting in fewer and less severe crashes.

DDIs help traffic move more quickly and efficiently, reduce congestion, and increase safety.

This alternative was selected to address the traffic needs at the interchange because it improves safety, takes the shortest amount of time to construct, requires the least amount of real estate acquisition, and is the most cost-effective.

The Federal Highway Administration advances these innovative intersection designs as a way to increase traffic capacity, decrease congestion and minimize construction costs, while greatly improving motorist and pedestrian safety.

FHWA Division Administrator Jeff Kolb said, "DDIs, or diverging diamond interchanges, are only the latest example of innovations that can help keep motorists safe while maximizing traffic flow and minimizing construction costs. The Empire State deserves nothing less."

When completed in the summer of 2012, the new configuration of Winton Road will reduce traffic congestion at the I-590 southbound ramps in the morning rush hour and at the I-590 northbound ramps in the evening rush hour; improve safety by eliminating opposing left turn conflicts; and improve bicycle and pedestrian safety with a multi-use sidewalk with crosswalks and dedicated bicycle space. An additional turn lane at the French Road intersection will improve traffic flow for residential traffic.

The decision to pursue the Diverging Diamond Interchange alternative comes following extensive public outreach to collect feedback on the innovative solution to meet traffic needs. Several presentations were made using video animations explaining the concept of the unique design. The Diverging Diamond was one of eight alternatives considered to address traffic delays and safety.

Detailed contract plans will be developed and acquisition of needed real estate will take place over the next nine months. The project cost is estimated to be $4 million.

The first Diverging Diamond Interchange built in the United States opened in Springfield, Missouri, in 2009 to address similar traffic needs. DDIs are planned for at least nine other locations across the country, including the interchanges of Interstate 435 and Front Street in Kansas City, Missouri; Interstate 270 and Dorsett Road in Maryland Heights, Missouri; Interstate 480 and Tiedman in Brooklyn, Ohio; and Interstate 15 and Main Street in American Fork, Utah.

For more information about the I-590/Winton Road Interchange Project online, visit www.nysdot.gov/590winton/. The site features project details and video visualizations. Persons interested in being added to the mailing list or e-mail list to receive project updates, can register at the Web site.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Downloadable videos are available on the project Web site.