The new diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and County Road 99 on the north end of Findlay opened on Monday afternoon.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the new interchange will combat congestion at the important economic hub while reducing the risk of crashes and making travel in the area easier and safer.

WFIN News spoke with Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn about the importance of the new interchange.

We also spoke with Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade at the ribbon-cutting for the new interchange.

ODOT says a DDI shifts the eastbound and westbound traffic to the other side of the bridge at signalized crossovers which eliminates left turns across traffic and the traffic signals for left turns.

The benefit is that all traffic can enter the interstate in a free flow movement to the ramps which reduces the long start and stop times of trucks at signals.

The project also included upgrading intersections along County Road 99 from North Main Street to Technology Drive.

The video below gives a tutorial on how to navigate a diverging diamond interchange.

The picture above is from the ribbon-cutting, which was held at 2 o’clock, and the interchange opened a little after 4 o’clock.