From Charlie Gray

Street and traffic engineers have embraced a new traffic flow design known as DDI “Diverging Diamond Interchange”. DDIs were designed to improve traffic flow and safety at intersections where a controlled access highway crosses a major road. Traffic on the crossroad moves to the left side for a short segment allowing vehicles to turn left onto or off of the ramps without crossing opposing traffic. This movement eliminates the need for left turn signal phases at the ramp intersections. DDIs have proven to improve traffic flow and prevent accidents.

Recently with the construction of the southeast phase of I-540, a DDI was installed just a few miles from my home. Navigating the DDI became a routine part of my daily travels and I HATED it. It was the top complaint of everyone in our neighborhood. No one favored it. It was weird and unusual. It was difficult to understand and navigate. No one liked this newfangled invention nor the adjustment needed to accommodate the change.

Fast forward to now – I love it !!!! Once I traveled the route over time and learned to appreciate the ease of entering and exiting the interstate, I realized the DOT engineers were brilliant. After making a few adjustments, I realized the new design did in fact improve traffic flow and allowed a far safer navigation of a high traffic intersection.

Sounds a little like life doesn’t it? We all know the shock of change in our lives. Sometimes the changes in our lives are intentional and other times the reality of change sends shock waves cutting through our psyche. In reality, change is the only constant in our lives. It is a choice, and a wise one, to steady ourselves in the refuge of our faith. At times, we may falter, doubt and even grieve but we will rise above and rebound. Not because it’s easy but because it’s our only way forward.