Collier County's first diverging diamond opens on Pine Ridge Road

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)— A new diverging diamond interchange on Pine Ridge Road is now open, marking the first of its kind in Collier County.

The crisscross traffic pattern is designed to reduce delays and boost safety. Drivers say they're adjusting well to the new setup, though construction is still ongoing.

"I go through there every day, I think they've been really on top of things and keep things going smoothly," said Dave Johnson, a driver who uses the interchange daily.

While the Pine Ridge interchange isn't finished yet, a new viewer video from Lee County shows that even completed diverging diamonds can still confuse some drivers. 

Dash camera footage captured Wednesday morning appears to show a driver heading the wrong way on Colonial Boulevard at the diverging diamond in Lee County.

"You could see him clearly—just turn right into oncoming traffic, and the other way had to stop, so he could do a three-pointer to turn back around," said Maggi Burnett, a Lee County driver. "I just couldn't believe it."

Burnett's car is equipped with dash cameras that recorded the incident. 

"It's really busy up on Colonial, so I can assume it's going to be very, very busy on Pine Ridge as well," Burnett said.

WINK News showed the video to drivers in Collier County. Jorge Torres called it strange but said the interchange is easier than it looks.

"Just look at the sign and make sure you go to the left, then the right. Just follow traffic," Torres said. "You know it actually works, it's great. They have that in Boca Raton, and it works perfectly."

Burnett offered simple advice for navigating the new traffic pattern. "Follow the lines, follow the signs. They're big enough, and they should be able to tell you where you're going," she said.

As construction continues, the Florida Department of Transportation reminds drivers to be extra cautious and make sure to read the signs and pavement markings.