Managing a fast-tracked schedule
With global visitors expected, teams kept construction on track, swiftly resolving field issues to meet FDOT’s critical deadline.
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.
FDOT
Sarasota County, Florida
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).
With global visitors expected, teams kept construction on track, swiftly resolving field issues to meet FDOT’s critical deadline.
The team oversaw asphalt work, signals and ITS installations, ensuring components met safety, quality, and design standards.
Drones captured aerial footage of the new DDI, giving FDOT a way to educate drivers navigating an unfamiliar interchange layout.
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.