Diverging diamond interchange set to open east of Regina

Get ready to get your thinking caps on while driving east of Regina.

The diverging diamond interchange (DDI) on the Pilot Butte overpass will open months ahead of schedule and be fully open to traffic within the next couple of weeks.

We are looking forward to discussing the Diverging Diamond with residents. #safetyfirst https://t.co/uRzylt66g0 @GrahamBuilds @ParsonsCorp @VINCIConstruc @CarmacksLtd pic.twitter.com/ylrqrzqpFV

— YQRbypass (@reginabypass) February 22, 2018

The DDI design sees traffic signals shift vehicles to the opposite side of the road over the interchange before crossing back at the next traffic signal, helping to maintain traffic flow and allowing for easier left turns.

DDIs are becoming increasingly popular in North America due to their safety and operational benefits. The Pilot Butte interchange is the first to be built in Saskatchewan and the second in Canada.

“With the opening of the diverging diamond interchange ahead of schedule, our government feels it is paramount to provide the public with the best understanding of how this type of interchange works as well as the benefits it provides,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Dave Marit said. “This is why we are engaging the public in a number of public information and education sessions ahead of its opening.”

The Regina Bypass team will be holding the following information sessions:

• Tuesday, Feb. 27 – Public information session – Cornwall Centre (Centre Court) from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 28 – Open house – Pilot Butte Recreation Centre from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, March 1 – Public information session – Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 3 – Public walk through of Diverging Diamond Interchange from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Originally scheduled for completion in October 2019, that completion was moved up to October 2018. Thanks to the pace of construction, the date was moved forward once again.

“The primary reason our government focused on accelerating the construction of the Pilot Butte interchange was safety of drivers, passengers and residents in the communities east of Regina,” Marit said. “The P3 partnership has allowed this new timeline to be accomplished without an increase in the project’s overall cost.”

The first phase of the Regina Bypass construction between Balgonie and Highway 33 was completed in October 2017, including overpasses at Balgonie, White City and Tower Road. At that time, the Pilot Butte overpass also partially opened to traffic. The remainder of the Regina Bypass will be completed in 2019.