Tulsa begins construction on innovative diverging diamond interchange to improve traffic safety

The City of Tulsa is preparing residents for the upcoming changes at the diverging diamond interchange on Memorial Drive, a project aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. This innovative interchange design, which will be the second of its kind in Oklahoma, is expected to significantly reduce congestion and accidents at a location that currently sees about 47,000 vehicles daily and approximately 34 crashes each year.

City officials emphasized that the diverging diamond interchange will allow drivers to temporarily travel on the left side of the road when navigating under the highway, ultimately streamlining movements onto the expressway. This design has been successfully implemented in other communities, demonstrating a reduction in collisions by about one-third and an increase in traffic efficiency.

As construction progresses, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with new overhead signage that will guide them through the interchange. Officials acknowledged that while the transition may require some adjustment, patience and caution will help drivers adapt to this new traffic pattern.

The project is part of a broader effort by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to enhance safety and efficiency on Tulsa's roadways. City leaders expressed gratitude for the community's patience during the construction phase, assuring residents that the end result will lead to safer and more efficient travel through the area.

For more information on the diverging diamond interchange and other ODOT initiatives, residents can visit the South Tulsa Roads page on the city’s website.