Changes to the I-65-Lakeshore intersection will be coming in the city’s long-term plans. Engineering for the improvement project was budgeted for $100,000 this year.
A year ago the city began an engineering contract began with Volkert, Inc. to address congestion issues on Lakeshore Drive between Green Springs Highway and the Homewood Commons retail district with a Diverging Diamond Interchange.
A Diverging Diamond crosses traffic to the opposite side of the road at the bridge, which creates an opportunity for drivers to veer left onto the interstate without stopping. It also allows vehicles approaching Lakeshore from I-65 off ramps to merge into traffic instead of waiting for a light.
Volkert’s proposal to Homewood indicated that installing a Diverging Diamond at Lakeshore would cost approximately $3.5 million, assuming no bridge modifications were required. It could require as little as two years to complete.
The study phase timeline of 6 to 9 months will be followed by another 12 to 15 months of design, followed by construction.
