The diverging diamond would have drivers temporarily cross to opposite lanes in order to keep traffic at the interchange flowing more smoothly. Design courtesy of Volkert Engineers
After years of discussion and planning a major upgrade to the I-65/Lakeshore Parkway interchange, council approved an agreement with ALDOT that could create a Diverging Diamond Interchange to improve traffic flow and safety.
The Diverging Diamond Interchange, or DDI, has been used successfully in cities across the country. It works by temporarily shifting vehicles to the opposite side of the road while they cross the bridge, allowing for smooth, signal-free left turns onto the interstate and easier merging for drivers exiting I-65. For Homewood drivers, that means less sitting at red lights and fewer bottlenecks, especially during high-traffic times like the holiday season. The concept has been in discussion since 2014.
Council members expressed strong support for the project’s goals and acknowledged its potential to significantly improve daily commutes and ease the flow of traffic through one of Homewood’s most traveled corridors. They emphasized the value of finally taking action on an idea that’s been in the works for over a decade.
Still, concerns were raised about the financial risks tied to the agreement. Under the current terms, the City of Homewood would be responsible for any cost overages above the $23 million project estimate. Some council members voiced discomfort with that clause, noting that future councils—who may not have a role in negotiating or approving the contract—could be left responsible for paying the difference. They questioned whether it was fair to commit the city to potentially unpredictable costs without a firm plan to manage them.
Several members suggested building in a spending ceiling or establishing a clear threshold that would allow the city to walk away if the bid, expected in July, comes in over budget. Others noted that construction prices have nearly doubled in recent years, raising legitimate concerns about how the final price tag might change before a shovel ever hits the ground.
Despite these reservations, the council agreed that the city must move forward to see what the bid reveals. They acknowledged that while the risks are real, doing nothing leaves the interchange stuck in its current, problematic state. Entering the bidding phase, they said, is the only way to determine whether the project is financially feasible.
With the potential to ease a daily headache for thousands of drivers, the Lakeshore/I-65 Diverging Diamond could soon go from vision to reality. And if all goes according to plan, it may not be long before drivers find themselves gliding through a once-clogged intersection with ease.
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