Michigan opens improved I-75 interchange in Auburn Hills

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the city of Auburn Hills opened the new University Drive and Interstate 75 interchange in Auburn Hills on Tuesday.

The new diverging diamond interchange (DDI) enables better safety for drivers who are entering or exiting the freeway. DDI erases conflict points, like left turns.

"Michigan's first DDI will directly benefit Auburn Hills residents and be enormously advantageous to our thriving business community, comprised of world-class companies," Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel said. "We were pleased to have partnered with MDOT on this innovative project as it will enhance commerce and vastly improve motorist safety in Auburn Hills."

The new interchange is just one part of a $24 million reconstruction project that involved University Drive (between Opdyke Road and Cross Creek) as well as the new bridge that crosses I-75. The changes include new traffic signals, a new multiuse path, new signs, landscaping and decorative lighting.

The DDI design improves the safety of pedestrians, decreases traffic speeds, eliminates loop ramps, reduces delays, offers better acceleration distance to traffic on University Drive on southbound I-75 and provides shorter traffic cycles at the intersections.