TAMPA, Fla. — There’s a big change on I-75 in Hillsborough County as a new diverging diamond interchange at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (SR-574) opened late Sunday.

MLK Boulevard closed over I-75 on Friday as crews worked on making the changes. The new interchange debuted late on Sunday.

Diverging diamonds have become a common method FDOT is using to deal with growing congestion across the state. Several have opened in recent years, including one at I-75 and State Road 56 in Pasco County.

Traffic on MLK Boulevard that goes over I-75 will now move to the left to help with traffic flow on and off the interstate.

“As you shift to the left side of the road, you’re able to make a left turn and a through movement at the same time," said FDOT resident engineer Greg Deese. "So you’re eliminating two phases of a signal that allows for a higher volume of traffic to flow through.” 

Deese also said the new configuration should help with safety as well.

“You also get a safety advantage, because you lower the speed limit a little bit," Deese said. "And that increases safety throughout the entire interchange as well."

For drivers that are new to a diverging diamond interchange, Deese recommends they follow the signs and lane markings.

“Follow the signals, follow the signs, and maintain your speed limit,” Deese said.

Construction on the $89.7 million project started in 2021.

In addition to the new interchange, FDOT is constructing new separate lanes for northbound traffic on I-75 between MLK Boulevard and I-4 to help with traffic congestion. Those lanes are expected to open by the end of the year.

For more information on the project, visit the Florida Department of Transportation website.