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Aerial view of a busy diverging diamond interchange with traffic and construction cones.Aerial view of a busy diverging diamond interchange with traffic and construction cones.

Designing the world’s largest diverging diamond interchange

Florida’s largest bottleneck at I-75 and University Parkway demanded a safer, faster interchange. The result was a diverging diamond interchange—the world’s largest and Florida’s first. 

Client

FDOT

Location

Sarasota County, Florida

Connect with an expert

Cogan_Dan_2021.jpg
Dan Cogan PE, PMP
Transportation CEI Practice Leader

A complex interchange delivered under intense deadlines and public expectations 

Rapid area growth and a fast-approaching major international rowing event created severe congestion at the I-75/University Parkway interchange. To ease delays and improve safety, the Florida Department of Transportation advanced the state's first diverging diamond interchange (DDI). 

Managing a fast-tracked schedule 

With global visitors expected, teams kept construction on track, swiftly resolving field issues to meet FDOT’s critical deadline. 

Delivering complex infrastructure  

The team oversaw asphalt work, signals and ITS installations, ensuring components met safety, quality, and design standards. 

Enhancing public understanding 

Drones captured aerial footage of the new DDI, giving FDOT a way to educate drivers navigating an unfamiliar interchange layout. 

Leveraging trusted local insight 

CDM Smith’s experience with previous county projects enabled smoother coordination and quicker on-site decision-making.

The DDI opened ahead of the international regatta, easing congestion and improving safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. With strong coordination, rapid response, and continuous communication, the team helped FDOT manage a high-visibility project that later inspired more than 35 new DDIs across Florida. 

Curious to learn more? 

Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.

Cogan_Dan_2021.jpg

Dan Cogan

Transportation Engineer

With a rich background in construction engineering for both the public and private sectors over three decades, Dan leads our firm's CEI practice.

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