Have you ever found yourself using the University Drive Interchange here in Auburn Hills and found yourself asking, “what is this?” Well, it is a Diverging Diamond Interchange and was the first constructed in the State of Michigan back in 2015.  Since then, one additional was completed in Grand Rapids and two more are underway in Troy.

The first Diverging Diamond Interchange was constructed in Springfield, Missouri back in 2009. Since then, over 100 have been constructed with many more underway. But why you may ask?

Well, in addition to kind of being fun to drive, they improve safety, mobility, and are often more cost effective.

• Safety: All left turns occur without having to cross opposing traffic.
• Mobility: They’re intentionally designed to keep both vehicles and people moving.
• Cost Effective: They often require fewer lanes.

As an organization, the City of Auburn Hills has six values that we prescribe to which then guide how services are provided. The Values are Attentive Service, Diversity, Excellence, Fiscal Responsibility, Humility, and Safety. This project is certainly a great example of many of those.

Aaron Stahly, Deputy Director of Public Works