Diverging Diamond goes into effect Tuesday at 6 a.m.

Posted at: 09/10/2012 11:13 PM | Updated at: 09/11/2012 12:11 PM
By: Lynette Adams | WHEC.com

It's the first Diverging Diamond interchange in New York State, and it opens Tuesday morning at the intersection of South Winton Road and Interstate 590.

If you travel through that area regularly, you know how congested it can get during rush hour, and if you're on a bicycle or walking, it can be downright scary going through that intersection.

The state says the new Diverging Diamond will improve all aspects of that intersection.

Pittsford resident MaryLu Gleeson uses the I-590 and Winton Road interchange regularly, and she says it's scary.

"First off, you can sit there for a very long time to make a turn, you make the turn and you see idiots are all in a hurry to get home or get to work," Gleeson says.

Come Tuesday morning, that will all change. Motorists like Gleeson will begin to experience something different. While it's not all done, the DOT will open the Diverging Diamond interchange. Spokesperson Lori Maher says it's something most people have never experienced, and may be a little apprehensive.

"When you approach the traffic light you go on green. When you see a red light you stop. It's really, really simple. The pavement markers will be there and it will really be free flow, and we have confidence this is really going to ease traffic beginning tomorrow," Maher says.

The DOT says the Diverging Diamond will create dedicated turning lanes, ease congestion, make room for cyclists and pedestrians, and improve the overall safety of that intersection.

It's something Fairport resident John Marcaitis is happy about. He came through the intersection to get to The Distillery on Winton Road to meet his friends. Turning left is one of his biggest concerns.

"I think that's going to be a huge improvement as far as that intersection is concerned. Anything that you can do to relieve the risk that you're going to take making that type of turn is only going to help," Marcaitis says.

The work on the area isn't scheduled to be fully completed until October, and there will be more lane closings between now and then.

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