FDOT to hold public workshops for Collier County's first diverging diamond interchange

A diverging diamond is coming to Collier County.

It's part of major improvements planned for the busy Interstate 75 interchange at Pine Ridge Road.

The Florida Department of Transportation has scheduled public workshops on the project, to share information and get input.

Virtual and in-person events are planned.

What will Collier County diverging diamond interchange do?

The project is designed to reduce delays on Pine Ridge Road, increase the holding capacity of the I-75 southbound off-ramp, and decrease the number of conflict points to improve safety overall.

The diverging diamond interchange will provide the ability to accommodate traffic volume growth. Proposed improvements are located within the limited access right-of-way.

When will the Collier County diverging diamond project start?

The project is funded and it's currently in the design phase. Construction should begin in the spring or summer of next year. The budget is $23 million.

How does a diverging diamond work?

Essentially, the design eliminates left turns in front of oncoming traffic.

These interchanges have free-flowing left-turn lanes onto the interstate, similar to right-turn lanes. Drivers turning left onto a ramp to the interstate do not have to wait at a traffic light for opposing traffic to pass, as they typically do.

Are there other diverging diamonds in Southwest Florida?

This would be the first diverging diamond interchange to be built in Collier County, but there is one under construction in neighboring Lee County, with others planned in Southwest Florida, to address traffic congestion.

In Lee, there is one underway at I-75 and Colonial Boulevard . Others are planned at I-75 and Daniels Parkway and at I-75 and State Road 78 (Bayshore Road) .

In Collier, a congestion management study suggested a diverging diamond should be considered for the I-75 and Immokalee interchange.

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How can you get more information on diverging diamonds?

The online workshop for the Pine Ridge Road project is scheduled for May 14, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will include a question-and-answer session with the project team. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/I75PineRidge .

The in-person event will be held May 16, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in North Collier Regional Park's Exhibit Hall, at 15000 Livingston Road. Project displays will be available for review and the project team will be on hand for discussion.

For those unable to attend the online or live events, comments can also be provided through the project webpage ( https://www.swflroads.com/project/445296-1 ) or by email ( Kimberly.Abate@dot.state.fl.us ) or mail (FDOT District One, Attn: Kimberly Abate, Corridors Program Office Project Manager, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830).Comments about the project must be received or postmarked by May 28 to be included in the formal meeting record.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: FDOT to hold public workshops for Collier County's first diverging diamond interchange