Traffic relief: Diverging Diamond opens on NC 73 at I-85

CONCORD, N.C. — Drivers can start using a new diverging diamond that has opened at Highway 73 and Interstate 85 Monday morning in Concord.

The state Department of Transportation created the diamond in hopes of alleviating long-time traffic problems at the interchange.

NCDOT crews have put up a sign to remind drivers to keep left of the median, and right next to that is a "no turn right" sign and a "do not enter sign."

The new traffic pattern could cause some confusion amongst motorists, and Channel 9 saw some drivers making U-turns after spotting the "do not enter sign."

Drivers now have to cross over the intersection to get directly onto I-85.
 
NCDOT officials say the new traffic pattern eliminates having to turn left onto the interstate.

"It's a safety improvement. Like I said, the ramps technically would get backed up and then you see the traffic backed up onto the interstate and that is a hazardous situation," said Jen Thompson with the NCDOT.

Another safety improvement is that there's now a walkway for pedestrians and several crosswalks.

It is the second diverging diamond to open in North Carolina.

WSOC