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CONCORD, NC – A first of its kind traffic interchange will shake up the morning commute and could cause confusion for drivers. North Carolina’s first diverging diamond will open Monday at I-85 and Poplar Tent Road.
The diverging diamond will shift drivers to the left, passing oncoming traffic to cross the bridge, before moving them back to the right side.
“I’d just have to say, better be on your toes. Because we’re all just so naturally knowing to drive on the right, you know, stay on the right,” says motorcycle rider Cowboy Carmien.
It’s the first fully-functional two-lane diverging diamond in North Carolina and the first of four planned for the Charlotte area. NCDOT Officials say it will make traffic flow easier and quicker.They say there are fewer signal changes and it’s easier to figure out where to exit onto the interstate.
Carmien says if it improves traffic in the long run he’s all for it. He just hopes people will pay close attention. “I would suggest concentrate on driving, driving only, and don’t be preoccupied with anything else,” he says.
