Transportation officials say traffic was moving smoothly during the morning rush hour through the first “Diverging Diamond” traffic pattern in New York.
It’s located where Winton Road intersects Route 590.
Lori Maher is spokesperson for the Department of Transportation.
She says there have been a rash of accidents involving drivers trying to turn left to access the expressway there, and the new diverging diamond solves that problem.
The design shifts traffic onto the left side of the road so drivers have the option to access the expressway without any oncoming traffic
Drivers wishing to continue on Winton Road can just stay in their lane, and they'll be shifted back onto the right hand side of the road at the next light.
Maher says new traffic pattern will be very simple, once people get used to its unique, sensible design.
She adds there is still more work to be done, and the intersection will be closed again the next two weeknds.
It should be completed by mid-October.
Diverging Diamond Intersection Up and Running
