Ontario’s first diverging diamond interchange opens in Niagara
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
- The first diverging diamond interchange in Ontario opened to drivers Monday in the Niagara region.
The Ministry of Transportation says the interchange at Glendale Ave. and the Queen Elizabeth Way in Niagara is scheduled to open at 5 a.m. Monday following a weekend of major detours.
“The diverging diamond interchange will allow for performance improvement by reducing vehicle conflict points along with allowing unrestricted turning movements,” according to the engineering firm Morrison Hershfield and Brennan Paving and Construction Ltd.
It accomplishes this by reconfiguring traffic lanes to allow for direct access to all four directional highway ramps. This means drivers will no longer have to make any left-hand turns when entering or exiting the highway. Instead, motorists will use interconnected crossover lanes controlled by traffic lights and signs.
Can't believe pedestrian can cross the bridge, that's such a huge leap for mankind.
You mean it wasn't possible before ?
@@The-Cat Genuinely a possibility lol
@@Zadesniper yeah I could say that could be true, but many have pedestrian paths, but the difficulty to cross one is very much unsafe to flat out deadly.
the purpose of this design is to eliminate a left-turn-light cycles, thus increasing green light time, thus increasing flow rate. It also eliminates cross traffic for left-turns.
So it just moved the lights from the ramps to the cross overs. And every driver has to do one change over, and two change overs if not acessing the highway. And the change overs are really just controlled left turns, limited to one set of lanes at a time. Guess it's better than when hwy 20 and the QEW interchange was a roundabout.
Second guy asked was pure sarcasm. His wife's face was gold. 😂
He made me giggle. Helped that he reminded me of Norm Macdonald.
Cool. And we still have drivers confused by roundabouts
There’s a roundabout right next to it depending which way you go!
Canada needs stricter licensing requirements.
@@capertain16325 Agreed.
Freedumbers
@@capertain16325 100%
We just opened one in Janesville Wisconsin. A bit weird the first couple of times but it really does smooth out the traffic flow when it’s busy.
I think I need a daily dose of Canadian news to lift my spirits.
Anyone think that some random drunk driver is going to demolish another vehicle on this interchange?
I saw another you tube that said this design reduces possible collision points from 32 to 16.
When you're on it, you are pointing in a straight line. Unless said drunk driver randomly decides to take a 45-degree turn into oncoming headlights, that won't be a problem. Most diamonds have curbs and guardrails to prevent people crossing over anyway.
I’m sure all the new Canadians who are such great drivers are going to manage this no problem
Or drunk driving Old stock Canadians who like to ram into people and things will navigate through this, no problem.
😆
@@therealist9396 Name one.
😂😂
@@therealist9396Why not name one?
A pretty simple but effective design. I knew about these for years.
This multi-use path has led crossings than the ones in the USA, those ones are death traps for cyclists and pedestrians.
However, the most ideal would be a separate bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.
When the power is out it is a disaster, especially with semi-s...
@@electricaviationchannelvid7863 This actually might be safer. When traffic lights are out, it's supposed to be an all-way stop, and with a normal intersection, it is hazardous with traffic coming out of two or three different sides, and turning in different directions. With a DDI, it's only a two-way encounter, and each side is only following a single path with no turns. Like an intersection with two one-way streets, and no turns allowed.
People like to stop in the crossing section… and creates a continuously expanding traffic jam.
These only work with polite drivers.
Why don't they design it so that the straight-through traffic doesn't crossover? Why have stop lights at all? One lane should be elevated over the other so that the straight traffic doesn't have to stop twice for red lights. ie: Make a bridge. A bridge before and after the main bridge.
@@taekwondotime costs more
Why not just put a roundabout at each end?
Same/similar effect.
No traffic lights needed.
Plus, much quicker, outside of peak hours.
☮
But what about inside rush hours? That poses an issue, right? Plus, this interchange already exists in a dumbbell interchange.
We have one here in Joplin,Missouri at an Interstate 44 exit. Seemed very strange at first with a traffic light in the middle and driving on what feels like the wrong side of the road. Eventually it proved to be much safer than the tight cloverleaf design that was there for decades.
The first one I've ever used is the one at National and 60 in Springfield. Confused the heck out of me the first time. It's been there for a long time.
Been driving through one of these near Atlanta for a decade or so. Not sure how it is better.
it is not.. Just different. They do this to steal tax dollars and lauder dirty money
it makes sens because if they diverge one road into another it saves 10 decades off of how long it takes them to finish a single repair...
I didn't realize we were finally getting these in Ontario! Hands down this is my favourite highway interchange design. So safe! ☺
Read the signs, slow down, be vigilant...the three things Ontario drivers cannot do.
We have one about 5 miles from my house. I was skeptical at first but it seems to be much more efficient than the conventional intersections were.
Video record yourself walking there
And for others too! I recently drove one and it was efficient and easy to navigate.
Why not get rid of the traffic lights and still diamond diverge but have say: southbound go above the northbound on an upper overpass? No stopping for anyone!
And the extra money to build it!
There is one near my house. It cut five minutes off of my morning commute. Not a big deal at all once you understand it.
It may be convenient for motorists, but it looks dangerous and highly inconvenient for pedestrians and cyclists.
That's because it is. Hopefully they will reconsider that pedestrian path.
@@Leonard_MT As another poster stated, why didn't they include a separate small bridge for bike/pedestrian traffic?!!! Don't answer this. LOL. SMH. I know the answer---$$$ Lives of 'little' people is ok collateral by the gov.
@@bobcaygeon6799 Yeah you are right DDIs are a cheap alternative to SPUIs
I don't see the point or benefit from this design, you still have lights?
The intention is to eliminate left turns against oncoming traffic.
@@deadskimountaineer Thanks for pointing that out, the story didn't actually explain how it's different or what the problem was with the old setup.
@@kevyNova123It could of been anything, but we don't know anything about the old design, not without some looking around on Google Maps
Add snow and snowplows, it will be most interesting.
Lame excuse. Snow parts of thy USA already have these. We just need to be better at snow removal.
Got one where I live in Brisbane Australia. When they were building it, I had no idea what was going on.
I was there yesterday with my semi truck, i was confused for a bit and then it occured to me that this is the diverging diamond i saw the video off on the youtube some time back.
Diamond interchanges over (or under) freeways and tollways are becoming a thing in the US and now in Canada.
Wikipedia (up to you if you think it a reliable resource) says that as of November 16, 2020 there are 135 DDI around the world. A miniscule fraction of all highway interchanges. Might not becoming a thing just yet.
When the power is out it is a disaster, especially with semi-s...
@@electricaviationchannelvid7863 itll function as a stop sign
they are a thing, a stup1d thing
And Queensland, Australia recently.
open the toronto bound ramp already!!!
Looks like a Scalectrix track!!!
its money laundering
Got one in Viera FL. off of I95. Works out well and done so that confusion is not really possible.
We have one I know of in my area, and it works great.
Had this in Atlanta for quite a few years. When they first changed it I was a bit confused but never seen any issues over the last 7 years since they built it. Great design IMO
Seems it would be much more efficient for traffic flow if they just built 2 looping off/on ramps so that vehicles don’t need to turn left to get on the highway in either direction. Then they wouldn’t need any traffic lights, and traffic would flow much more efficiently. But then, when has the MOT ever been concerned about traffic flow. I think their primary goal is to slow traffic down.
I don't think you see how it works, there's no crossing traffic to get on/off the ramps, only merging, it's proven to less waiting for traffic and safer for everyone involved.
Far safer for left turns. I tried the one in Calgary about 5 yrs ago, and it was Great
how much did that cost I wonder....and what was the point of putting in pedestrian crossings?
(I make note that no pedestrians were asked what they thought of this car-centric bit of o'n'g companies subsidy...)
It depends due to tons of factors. Is it a new road or an existing one? How much concrete is available? And the list goes on until next week.
We've had one of these in Calgary for a few years now .
I would like to see how traffic flowed before to see who was stopping for who, or not, and when. I just looked up the Calgary one. News to me. It's been there for 5 years apparently and I haven't heard of mass carnage. Or at least out of the ordinary mass carnage.
Lesser points of conflict with this design than most interchanges, meaning lesser chances of a collision.
They've had them in one of the Springfield's for over a decade now, and it improved traffic flow that had issues for decades at one overpass. The design originates in Europe.
would be good, if pedestrains and cyclist infrasture here didnt say"die"
That's what all that construction was for. I thought they were just redoing the on ramps
Would have made much more sense than this.
Wouldn't a traffic circle be easier, less expensive and more efficient? And not a word about how this works for pedestrians and cyclists.
This design dates back from the seventies and originated in Europe. It never really picked up because double roundabout interchanges were judged more efficient. Maybe you are one step closer to a system without traffic lights.
Is it just my perspective or are the double roundabouts less compact?
Yep the first was in France
maybe like 100 more in the GTA please!
What's going to happen when it snows heavy and the signs on the road are hidden?
Exactly what I was thinking 😂😅
It's being used in places with lots of snow, like Minnesota, with no major issues.
Roundabouts at both end of the bridge would have solved issue for a fraction of the cost and confusion of this thing.
They have had roundabouts on both sides at 7th Avenue. Not any better than the original off ramps. Worse sometimes when people stop in the roundabout.
It really isn't confusing if you aren't completely inept behind the wheel.
@@avery4586 Some people are inept behind the wheel. Have you not noticed?
@@johnboy9386 Umm yes...
What's the point you're trying to make?
@@avery4586 i think the point is even if you know what your doing all it takes is someone that does not
Why is Jim Halpert driving a bus?
This could turn into a mess since there are some drivers that can't follow the lanes/signs of a normal road.
A DDI won't make those drivers any more dangerous than they already are.
What about when everything is covered snow. Covered with 15 cm of snow should really liven it up. It's one thing if you go through it everyday, another if it's your first time.
@@edrouse9578 It's pretty difficult to make a turn with the angles. And there are quite a few of these in snowy states. It's an elegant design.
Pedestrians and cyclists are an afterthought as usual.
Awful design for pedestrians and cyclists.
Whenever you see a sign telling cyclists to walk their bikes across the road, there is a design flaw.
2:00 switching sides? Locals can "get used to" it but what about outsiders?
We have many diamond interchanges in the US so we’re already used to them.
if people can't follow simple lanes, and signs - they shouldn't be driving.
Did they look at the 401 to see how well people drive and that it never backs up with accidents, well hardly almost never.
I hope you were sarcastic
Good luck pedestrians.
Thats a big bill. I hope the change is worth every dime lol.
yeah it was cheap to make, some pavement a bit of curbs. Costs like $700
I have one word "roundabout"
We have at least one of these (that I can think of) here in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area. At Highway 96 and 35W in Arden Hills, MN. They put it in about 6-7 years ago. It is assumed that the majority of those approaching 35W from either direction on HW 96 are intending to go onto 35W, so instead of sitting in a turn lane and waiting, those entering from either direction on 96 can seamlessly get onto either direction of 35W typically in one go. Those who wish cross over 35W will typically wait at one of the stoplights.
Now is the time to get into the towing business.
I detect more than a hint of sarcasm from the dude at 0:27
Congratulations Canada for just upgrading to something the rest of the world has had for a decade
Better late then later.
You mean USA? I live in Norway. As far as I know such diamonds don't excist here. What a shame!
Rest of the world is smart enough to use roundabouts!
@@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935 we use both. Can’t use a roundabout on a heavily used interstate exchange
Very cosmopolitan. Tell us, what does it cost to keep people from entering the northbound lanes heading south?
Diverging diamonds are a death trap for people on bikes, people in wheelchairs, parents with strollers and small children. I hope cars enjoy saving 30 seconds.
Hi, can you explain this further? I didn't see anything specific that hurts the walkability or bikeability.
@@MohammadIshfaqueJahanRafee The reversed direction goes against movement expectancy. There are 4 crossings. The large curve radii facilitate high vehicle speeds. The center trench often fills with debris, which allows the trench to fill with water when it rains. The center trench is exceptionally loud and uncomfortable. Bikes are often encouraged to mix with pedestrians in the narrow trench.
On the other hand, a tight diamond only required 2 crossing. The intersection is closer to 90 degrees, forcing vehicle to slow down. Bicycles can stay in the bike lane and pedestrians can stay away from traffic.
There is no reason to build a DDI. As bad as SPUIs are, they're still better than DDIs. They both perform closely.
We have one of those in Columbus Ohio -- near Hilliard. Great thing.
“Follow the lanes and the traffic light” no kidding
First one was commissioned in Calgary.
First interchange in the province, not country.
@@capertain16325 I see. Thanks for the clarification.
@@capertain16325 No, in the country. The DDI in Calgary has been operating for about five years.
Car culture continues & we're all-in until absolute grid lock.
😵💫
If you wanna be Amish go be Amish.
Railroads have used this same principle to avoid interference when there is much traffic. It allows free flow without the stopping and starting
"There are only 2 other diamond interchanges in Canada" lol
Calgary has had one for a few years now, seems to work okay
Everyone seems so confused even the construction worker 🙂😂😂
😂😂😂
Canada is always a little behind the US in North American norms no need to make fun of it… Maybe in 100 years they will only be 5 years behind :)
I came across this on the weekend and it was great and even a little fun
You can tell my life is immensely boring
we have one of these near Woodbury in upstate NY.
There are this things called roundabouts..
Can't beat a diamond, though! :/
Ah, it's a good start for North America's conversion to driving on the correct side of the road, like we do in Britain.....
I don't think a hybrid is good for anyone though
😂😂😂🤣🤣
0:37 - proper, Canadian answer.
👍
☮
Expensive and clunky but, I guess it works. Would love to see some more good pedestrian paths.
I would feel real secure standing there waiting for a walk light /s
Just fallow the lanes😮
Its all good until the first major white out snow storm.
how is that different than any other roadway?
@@matthope7518 significantly different, because when those directional arrows are obscured by snow, you can be absolutely certain someone will instinctively keep to the right and find themselves in the opposing lane of traffic.
@@Vanbulance add darkness, speed, and a few more cars than were in this video and it's going sideways real fast.
@@Vanbulance This can be fixed if drivers actually studied and knew how a diamond interchange works.
@@Vanbulance And that area of Ontario has some of the worst weather during winter (I live 1/2 hr away). SMH. I'd like to have seen an "artist's rendering" of the conditions you've just mentioned. Let's see how you navigate it until snowplows get through!!! Don't get me wrong. I welcome well thought out design WITH the end users100% in mind. This--has me concerned.
I still dont see how this is better. Same number of stops.
@Golden Auto How so?
It was designed for left turns in mind. Left turns used to have to cross paths with oncoming vehicles. In a DDI, you are already on the left side of the road, so no stopping for oncoming traffic if the light entering it was already green, that is.
*Needs more and More of the Liberal Signs!*
Looks like a Wreckfest track...
Looks like a good idea... I hope it works well. Too bad the cross overs couldn't be done with a bridge or round abouts... I can see there just isn't enough room.
So not only are there still traffic lights. But the lanes switch sides not once, but twice.
Yeah what could possibly go wrong.....
No more left turns against Traffic!!! Smart, once stupidhead people get used to the concept like learning traffic circles or ... Brilliant!!
That's so cool that they let engineer's do acid and mushrooms at work..
The one in Calgary is not the greatest new idea because the designers have made the side roads coming into this and leaving it a huge CF. If you are in the wrong lane and need to get into a different lane during heavy traffic is very difficult. And a major on ramp into this interchange does not allow one to access the left turn into a shopping center because a median is there to prevent this. They did make a work around for this but if you are not familiar with the whole system your going to have problems. Once you are very knowledgeable about this new design you are good, but if you are new to it or don’t travel on it many times, good luck. It’s like when traffics circles or roundabouts were brought in people had a lot of issues on knowing what to do, and some drivers still have problems in understanding how they work.
This is worse than getting rid of the one way seeing Hamilton.
We need drone footage of this on the first day it opens!!
Request denied
Its a car centric design. That's really all that needs too be said about that thing. It might as well be a symbol of everything that is wrong with American infrastructure. Why are we importing that design in Canada?
first accident to come shortly....horrible idea.
What’s the point?
If something isn't broke don't fix it.
Good luck when snow-covered and icy.
Championsgate in Florida has that built under I-4 , Looks weird everyone was wondering what it was called , Now we know 😂😂😂😂
That'll clear up traffic, and if that doesn't work maybe try more lanes /s
I have now idea what it trying to be explained.
I see no diamond nor divergence.
Could have spent a bit more and avoided lanes crossing each other.
We’ve got three of these infernal abominations here in Atlanta. For starters, you’d better know exactly which lane you need to be in long before you get there! And two, I’ve yet to see how they’ve improved the traffic flow at all. Definitely not worth the millions of taxpayer $$$ spent to install them.
It's not even finished.
Freedumbers in shambles
You just could not keep pedestrians off that bloody bridge , they just have to have there cross walk ! Ever think a bout giving a bridge for the pedestrians , then no stop for the car's ? Think very carefully....lol
How many pedestrians will use this hellskape? It didn't look very pleasant. So I don't think you have to stop too often for them on your important and first priority car trip.
@@th5841 This is really not worth an argument , I have no trouble stopping for pedestrians I am not all that Important , what I am saying is why have a cross walk at all when getting on a major highway like the QEW ,they easily could have moved it up or down from the diamond/ Have a nice day..
@@arrow-lo7jf So how much are you willing to pay for not having to mix pedestrians with cars? I mean, you need to have a path for pedestrians to cross the highway, don't you?
People still dont know how to use the “round abouts” so this should go good!🤦♂️
I’m confused
Tourists beware, I will take the back roads lol
In other countries, they would use roundabouts.....LOL
Looks like it could confuse a self driving vehicle.
Fresh paint for clear lanes mandatory.
Well, you really just follow the lines on the road, I think a computer can do that.
@@capertain16325 When snow is there, then what?
@@bobcaygeon6799 Drivers should do some research on how diverging diamonds work. There are also traffic signals and signs to guide you.
@@capertain16325 While in theory I 100% agree with you, if you're not familiar where this is located then I'll fill you in; it's a tourist area because there's a massive outdoor shopping centre, community college and a hotel/spa. IOW, lots of traffic with different driver's there for different reasons. There's lots to be distracted about. So I do agree with you but the reality is the majority of driver's in that area are only interested in 'getting a good deal' research, LOL! I think I'll take a dry run on it before our winter weather hits. At least to familiarize myself with it. Cheers.