The Interstate 95 Express Lanes—Phase 3B-2 project aimed to alleviate the congestion plaguing Florida’s famous vacation destination, Palm Beach County.
The existing interchange at Glades Road had become a bottleneck. It struggled to accommodate a daily flow that had exceeded 200,000 vehicles, with projections soaring to 300,000 by 2040. As the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) sought solutions, a bold idea emerged: the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI).
The DDI concept, still relatively new in the region, promised enhanced mobility and safety. By reconfiguring the traditional cloverleaf into a design that allowed for smoother transitions, the project aimed to significantly reduce the number of conflict points where vehicles might collide.
Safety was paramount; estimates indicated a potential 33% reduction in crashes at the Glades Road interchange, along with other improvements that would enhance the overall experience for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
The project was not just a simple overhaul; it involved extensive coordination and collaboration among various teams. WSP, the lead designer, joined forces with PRINCE Contracting, leveraging their past successful partnerships to tackle this complex endeavor. They knew that a well-executed plan was crucial, especially given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had led to labor shortages and material scarcities.
As design discussions progressed, the team prioritized integrating existing structures, like the older bridges, into the new design to cut costs and reduce construction time.
A new pedestrian bridge positioned in the median was a strategic choice that enabled safe crossings without requiring additional right-of-way acquisitions. This thoughtful approach reflected a commitment to not only improve traffic flow but also to enhance community safety.
Construction kicked off with meticulous planning. The team developed a detailed traffic control plan to maintain uninterrupted traffic on I-95, allowing only a single weekend closure for the critical transition to the new DDI configuration.
The team coordinated with law enforcement and city officials to ensure that the transition was seamless.
The team launched an educational campaign to inform residents about the benefits of the DDI. Using various channels—from social media to a dedicated project website—they engaged with stakeholders, including local schools and businesses, to foster support and understanding. Monthly “Coffee with the Contractor” meetings allowed community members to voice their concerns directly to the project team, further solidifying trust and transparency.
The team had a quote that was often said on the job site. It encapsulates the importance of the collective contributions from the community and the work done on the ground: “One team, one job. This project is a prime example of a Design-Build, with true partnering across all sections of the team.”
With an improved interchange design, congestion was alleviated, and a separate, shared-use path pedestrian bridge in the median along Glades Road between the crossover intersections established a safer pedestrian crossing.
The dedication of each team member, along with their commitment to safety and community engagement, guaranteed that the I-95 Express Lanes—Phase 3B-2 project and the resulting DDI was more than just an infrastructure project; it was a step toward a brighter, more connected future for Palm Beach County.
Project: I-95 Express Lanes - Phase 3B-2
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Owners: Florida Department of Transportation, District 4
Designer: WSP
Contractor: Prince Contracting, LLC
Cost: $160,688,267
Length: 5.8 miles
