HOWLAND, Ohio (WKBN)- A new diverging diamond is set to open to drivers in northeast Ohio at some point this Friday.
It’s almost a year ahead of schedule, as it was originally set to be complete by next summer.
The announcement was made by Howland Township Trustee Matthew Vansuch that the diamond would be opening. The reason for this project was to improve safety and congestion at the intersection of OH-82 and OH-46. It will allow drivers to freely get on and off 82, improving traffic flow and eliminating left turns against oncoming traffic.
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Trustees said the intersection was one of the worst for traffic and crashes in the area. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, diverging diamond interchanges reduce crashes by about 40% and reduce injuries and fatal crashes by over 50%. The diamond is believed to reduce crashes by over 30%, plus can make construction cheaper and faster. The $20 million project started in 2023 with bridge work, then advanced to work on the ramps. The interchange is the first in Northeast Ohio and the third in the state.
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As part of the diamond, traffic will cross to the other side of the road and then back at the end of the interchange. The road will be well-striped and there will be plenty of signs to help lead drivers through the crossovers. When you are ready to drive through for the first time, trustees say make sure to be alert, follow the signs and traffic lights, and follow the road…