Project Announcement - Exit 16 DDI Anticipated to Become Operational Overnight on 9/16
New Traffic Patterns Coming: Exit 16 Diverging Diamond Interchange Anticipated to Open September 16 Overnight
DATE: Thursday, September 10, 2026
The Project Team plans to implement the new Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) traffic pattern on U.S. Route 2/7 at the I-89 Exit 16 interchange in Colchester overnight on Wednesday, September 16, weather permitting. Crews are working on the construction of the DDI and improvements to the adjacent intersections of U.S. Route 2/7 (U.S. 2/7) at South Park Drive and Mountain View Drive/Lower Mountain View Drive in preparation for the new traffic pattern changes.
Starting Sunday, September 13, through Wednesday, September 16, crews will be paving and installing line striping and pavement markings within the interchange. This work will take place at night and is highly dependent on weather. The completion of these activities is critical to the opening of the DDI and may delay the overnight implementation of the new traffic patterns at the interchange. Additional updates will be issued over the coming week as the traffic pattern change approaches.
This innovative, modern interchange design will improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians along the U.S. 2/7 corridor.
The new traffic pattern briefly shifts vehicles to the left side of the roadway as they travel through the interchange. This design allows drivers turning left onto interstate entrance ramps to do so without crossing oncoming traffic. Once through the interchange, traffic returns to the normal right side of the roadway. Traffic signals will control both crossover points.
- Approach the DDI and choose whether to enter I-89 or continue on U.S. Routes 2/7.
- Cross to the left side of the roadway at the first signalized intersection.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists use the shared-use path and designated crosswalks to travel safely through the interchange.
- Choose your route again, either entering I-89 or continuing on U.S. Routes 2/7.
- Cross back to the right side of the roadway at the second signalized intersection.
- Drivers exiting I-89 who wish to turn left remain on the left side, allowing for simpler left turns with a yield condition to one direction of traffic and convenient U-turns to re-enter I-89.
For More Information and Resources
- Visit the Exit 16 DDI Project Website for:
- A detailed project overview
- An interactive map of project limits
- Educational resources on how to navigate a DDI, including driving animations
- Answers to frequently asked questions
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