SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There’s another diverging diamond interchange in Sioux Falls.
The first one in the city was built at 41st Street and I-29.
Now, drivers using Benson Road and I-229 are navigating a diverging diamond.
On Friday, officials gathered to cut the ribbon on the $36.3 million project and celebrate its opening.
For now, the interchange has one lane open in each direction.
The rest of the lanes will open before the end of the year.
“This project features triple left turn lanes and dual right turn lanes,” South Dakota Department of Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt said.
Officials say the project will help manage high-traffic volumes in the area.
“7:00-9:00 AM, 3:00-6:00 PM this is a very busy intersection in our city, so adding this DDI will really help with traffic flow tremendously, especially because of the workforce we have out here. Behind me, there’s all kinds of large companies that employ a lot of people that use this interchange to get to and from work,” Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said.
TenHaken says the diverging diamond at 41st Street is having a positive impact.
“We’ve seen increased traffic flows, less wait times during rush hour. We’re moving more people through those intersections,” TenHaken said.
The interchanges are also aimed at improving safety.
More diverging diamonds are in the works for the Sioux Falls area.
“As the city grows, these projects are going to be increasingly important to keep up with our population base,” TenHaken said.
“We’ve got a lot of projects planned in this area, a lot of funds that will be provided that will help enhance this community as well as the economic base as well as just enhancing the transportation facilities overall,” Jundt said.
The are currently three operational diverging diamonds in the state.
The first one opened in Rapid City.
The DOT says there will be another diverging diamond in Pennington County.
