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City launches innovative project for BR-101, proposing the implementation of DDI, an intersection system that promises to reduce congestion and transform urban mobility.
In a bold move that promises to change the dynamics of traffic on one of the busiest highways in Brazil, the City of Itajaí has just presented a revolutionary project for the BR-101 interchange.
This proposal not only seeks to improve traffic fluidity, but also becomes a watershed for urban mobility in the country.
The plan is to implement the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), an innovative solution that has already achieved success in other parts of the world, but has never been applied on Brazilian soil.
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What is behind this solution, and how can it change the lives of thousands of drivers and residents?
The impact of the new project for BR-101
Last Friday, December 27, 2024, the Itajaí Traffic Coordination (Codetran) filed the project with the concessionaire Arteris, responsible for the administration of BR-101.
The proposal foresees the implementation of the DDI at the junction that connects the highway to Avenida Dr. Reinaldo Schmithausen and Rodovia Jorge Lacerda.
The project comes after almost two years of intense negotiations, which involved a series of bodies and entities, such as the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), the Federal Highway Police (PRF) and the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT).
The objective is to transform this critical point, often saturated with vehicles, into a reference in road safety and traffic efficiency.
What is the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)?
DDI, or Divergent Diamond Interchange, is an advanced traffic intersection model that changes the traditional intersection design.
Its main feature is the change in the flow of vehicles, especially at curve points, which eliminates direct conflicts and reduces the number of accidents.
The main innovation of this model is the reconfiguration of traffic lanes, which makes drivers cross the intersection on the left instead of on the right, as is traditionally done.
The DDI is designed to increase safety and traffic flow, especially in areas with a very high volume of vehicles, such as the BR-101 interchange.
Furthermore, the model has the ability to reduce congestion and, consequently, optimize drivers' travel time.
Studies carried out by Codetran indicate that the average waiting time at the interchange, which currently reaches an impressive 30 minutes, will be reduced to a mere 3 minutes, thanks to the implementation of this innovative system.
Impressive results with DDI implementation
Codetran led a series of technical analyses and traffic simulations to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the DDI.
The result of these simulations was a confirmation that DDI is the most efficient solution to reduce existing bottlenecks at the site and increase traffic fluidity.
The drastic reduction in waiting times – from 30 minutes to just 3 – represents a significant improvement not only for drivers, but also for the quality of life of the local population, who suffer from daily traffic congestion.
Furthermore, the implementation of DDI comes with reduced costs compared to other road solutions.
Its structure, although modern and efficient, offers a more sustainable and economically viable alternative, allowing the municipality to optimize its resources without compromising the quality of the infrastructure.
Itajaí's traffic coordinator, Michel Vieira Duarte, highlighted that this change “is a watershed for urban mobility in Itajaí and reaffirms our position as a reference in efficient and innovative solutions for traffic in the municipality.”
The future of the project: analysis and approval
With the protocol officialized with Arteris, the project now goes for analysis and approval by the responsible bodies.
The expectation is that the works will begin soon, transforming the BR-101 interchange into an example of efficiency and road safety.
In addition to the direct benefits for traffic, the DDI will have a positive impact on the economic development of the region, improving logistics and connectivity between different parts of Itajaí and other cities.
The implementation of this project also consolidates Itajaí's role as a city at the forefront in terms of urban mobility solutions.
The city not only solves a critical congestion problem, but also sets itself as a reference for other municipalities in the country that face similar challenges.
Impacts on mobility and quality of life
The implementation of DDI at the BR-101 junction not only brings benefits to drivers, but also to the general population.
The project has the potential to transform urban mobility, making traffic more efficient, faster and safer.
Furthermore, by reducing waiting times at the interchange and reducing the number of accidents, it is expected that the quality of life of residents will improve, with less stress in their daily lives and less time wasted in traffic jams.
The local community is also following the development of the project with great anticipation.
Residents and drivers, who face the chaotic traffic at the interchange on a daily basis, are anxiously awaiting a solution that will transform the reality of traffic in the region.
The impact will be significant for those who depend on the highway for your daily activities, whether for work, study or any other task.
A model for Brazil
The initiative of the City of Itajaí, when presenting the DDI project for the BR-101 interchange, places the municipality in a leadership position in the search for efficient and innovative solutions for urban problems.
If the project is successful, it will serve as a model for other Brazilian cities facing congestion and similar challenges in urban mobility.
By implementing the DDI, Itajaí not only improves local infrastructure, but also reinforces its commitment to economic development and improving the quality of life of its inhabitants.
The city positions itself as a reference for the application of new technologies in traffic and, with this, promises a more efficient and safer future for everyone.
Do you believe that the DDI in Itajaí will be a viable solution for other Brazilian cities facing traffic problems? Leave your opinion in the comments!
