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Diverging diamond and SPUI options offer capacity gains but may limit freight and confuse local access
Summary
Consultants described a diverging diamond and a single‑point urban interchange (SPUI) as alternatives that can increase capacity; PAC members raised concerns these forms could disconnect Front Street and reduce the Port of Morrow’s ability to return loads to the freeway without another Port access route.
The consultant showed a diverging diamond as a way to convert left turns into free right movements, increasing capacity at ramp terminals. Matt Hugart said the form can yield operational benefits but still requires rebuilding or widening the Main Street overpass and could complicate Front Street access.
"What you do with the diverging diamond is you essentially turn left turns into right turns...so you have the ability to just make a diverging left turn that merges here with the yields..." Hugart explained. PAC members and business stakeholders worried that a diverging diamond could "cut off" Front Street and reduce the Port of Morrow’s ability to leave and re‑enter the interstate without an alternate port route. The SPUI was presented as another option that may better preserve some Front Street movements but requires a wide overpass deck and carries higher cost and construction complexity.
