- November 21, 2024
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The U.S 1 and I-95 interchange will be redesigned to a "diverging diamond." Rendering courtesy of FDOT
FDOT is planning to widen U.S. 1 from four to six lanes between Plantation Oaks Boulevard and Destination Daytona Lane. Rendering courtesy of FDOT
The design of the diverging diamond interchange is aimed at minimizing the number of potential crash locations and their serverity. Rendering courtesy of FDOT
Design for the I-95 interchange at U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach is well underway, and the Florida Department of Transportation expects the $12.8 million phase of the project to be completed in fall 2026.
FDOT held a public meeting to gather feedback for the project at The Chapel in Ormond Beach on Wednesday, May 22. The interchange — which is part of the governor's $4 billion Moving Florida Forward infrastructure initiative, aimed at advancing construction on transportation projects — will be redesigned to a "diverging diamond," which FDOT stated in its video presentation will minimize the number of potential crash locations and the severity of crashes.
"The design of the diverging diamond interchange, or DDI, provides many operational and safety benefits for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists," FDOT stated. "The large number of left turns, coupled with the high percentage of trucks, makes the DDI a perfect fit for this location."
The existing U.S. 1 and I-95 interchange was designed in the 1960s and no longer meets current FDOT standards, largely in part due to its tight loop ramps, vertical clearance underneath the bridges and lack of connectivity of bicycle and pedestrian features.
FDOT is planning to widen U.S. 1 from four to six lanes between Plantation Oaks Boulevard and Destination Daytona Lane. Each lane will measure 12 feet. The current median will be reduced from 40 feet to 31 feet and FDOT will eliminate the existing 5-foot bike lanes and construct 10- to 14-foot shared use paths to replace them.
The state agency will also need to acquire 9.7 acres of additional right of way to reconstruct the interchange. This includes the relocation of two businesses — the Sunoco and Florida Citrus World at 1576 N. U.S. 1.
The median openings at Rosemary Street and Benton Street will be removed. A median opening will be placed between the McDonald's at 1530 N. U.S. 1 and Dollar General at 1545 N. U.S. 1. A new frontage road will be added to provide access to the businesses northwest of the interchange.
The right of way phase of the project is expected to cost $38.4 million and slated to start in spring 2025; Construction is expected to cost $204 million and estimated to begin in fall 2027.
