Nebraska DOT to install ‘diverging diamond’ interchange in West Omaha

08/09/2024 hanacaraka

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – A different kind of interchange is coming to West Dodge Road.

Construction begins Monday on the 192nd Street intersection to convert it into a diversion diamond interchange. Work there is expected to continue through much of the year.

“We have this design, a double diverging diamond, or diverging diamond for short that can fit in that space and handle a tremendous amount of traffic volume efficiently,” Tom Goodbarn with Nebraska Department of Transportation, said.

Goodbarn told 6 News this is the second diverging diamond the state will have and said it’s unique design helps eliminate conflict points by switching cars from one side to the other.

“The DDI will let us do that as it’s parallel set up. So, we don’t have to tear the whole bridge out and expand all that,” Goodbarn said.

The DDI will have two lanes to ease the traffic flow North and South bound of the intersection of 192nd St. It will also ease traffic for drivers looking to get onto West Dodge in both the North and South bound directions.

Once it opens, you’ll notice it eliminates the amount of left turns you take by creating more ramps and directional signage.

“The area’s blowing up you know with all the stuff going on,” Goodbarn said. “We got to get a lot of cars through the interchange and the bridge that is there constricts our opportunity there; so, this DDI will fit between there.”

6 News spoke to several drivers that live near the current exchange about what they think about the new project.

“One thing I will ask is how long is that going to take,” Loralee Cutler, driver said.

“Hopefully it improves things,” Johnnie Travis, driver said. “I know 168th, 156th, 144th can all get very congested in the mornings.”

“It’s a little confusing,” Peter Baye, driver said. “I haven’t quite seen this model before so, we will see how it works out.”

While neither road will be closing to traffic, West Omaha drivers can expect intermittent lane closures in the area both during the day and at night. Ramps may also be shut down overnight.

The construction there is part of a list of traffic projects NDOT recommended in 2020 to improve travel throughout the Omaha-metro.

Also, construction is anticipated to be complete by next year and into 2025.

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This is a developing story. Stay with 6 News for updates