I-75 Collier Roadway Progress Report

In an effort to improve road safety and reduce the risk of accidents on the heavily trafficked Interstate 75 interchange at Pine Ridge Road, the Florida Department of Transportation is making vital improvements, including the construction and implementation of Collier County’s first diverging diamond interchange. The purpose of the diverging diamond interchange is to alleviate congestion and delays on Pine Ridge Road, increase the holding capacity of the I-75 southbound off-ramp, and eliminate left turns made in front of oncoming traffic.

A diverging diamond interchange, also known as a double crossover diamond interchange, is a type of intersection where the roads cross over each other to allow traffic to switch sides. This helps with traffic flow and allows vehicles to cross the freeway on the opposite side of the road than what is usual in that area. The crossovers can have bridges or be at ground level and controlled by traffic lights. These interchanges feature unrestricted left-turn lanes onto the interstate, much like right-turn lanes. When drivers make a left turn onto a ramp leading to the interstate, they don't have to wait for oncoming traffic to pass, as is usually the case.

While this will be the first diverging diamond interchange to be constructed in Collier County,  there is currently one being built in the neighboring Lee County. Additionally, there are plans to build more diverging diamond interchanges in Southwest Florida to help alleviate traffic congestion. In Lee County, construction is underway at the intersection of I-75 and Colonial Boulevard. There are also plans for diverging diamond interchanges at the intersections of I-75 and Daniels Parkway, as well as I-75 and Bayshore Road. Additionally, a congestion management study has recommended considering a diverging diamond interchange for the I-75 and Immokalee interchange.

The main safety issue with the interchange comes from it being uncommon, leading to drivers potentially trying to remain on the familiar side of the road and mistakenly turning against the indicated direction of travel at the crossover points. This doesn't happen often, as it generally only occurs when there's very light traffic and no oncoming vehicles are waiting at the light. Adequate signage also helps to minimize the chances of this happening.

FDOT is holding informational meetings open to the public so that all members of the local community can keep up to date with the project and its development. The Pine Ridge Road project face-to-face meeting is on May 16th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Exhibit Hall in North Collier Regional Park, located at 15000 Livingston Road. At this event, attendees can look over displays related to the project and talk with the project team.

If you're not able to participate for the in-person event for the Pine Ridge Road project, you still have the option to submit your comments. You can do so through the project's webpage, by email to Kimberly.Abate@dot.state.fl.us, or by regular mail addressed to FDOT District One, with attention to Kimberly Abate, Corridors Program Office Project Manager, at 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. Just make sure your comments are received or postmarked by May 28 to ensure they are included in the official meeting record.

Currently in the design phase of the fully funded project, and with a budget of $23 million, construction is expected to begin in the spring or summer of next year