‘An accident waiting to happen’: Wrong-way drivers spotted on new diverging diamond interchange

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The diverging diamond is now open at County Road 532 and Interstate 4 in Osceola County.

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More than a half dozen drivers went the wrong way on Monday morning.

It may be strange at first because it feels like you’re on the wrong side of the road, but that’s just the layout.

Take it slow, pay attention and follow the cones.

Many drivers whom Channel 9 spoke to said that the interchange was confusing.

“(It’s) a little bit chaotic,” said Yolande Clements.

READ: Diverging diamond: What you need to know about the new interchange in Osceola County

Channel 9 captured video of several people going the wrong way.

“I think it’s an accident waiting to happen,” Clements said.

One driver even stopped on the road and backed up.

“It’s a busy road. I think it’s more complicated, more difficult,” said Kelly Cavalvanti.

Other drivers said navigating the new interchange was a breeze.

The layout shifts traffic to the left side of the road as you pass under I-4 then back to the right-hand side.

READ: Drivers adjust to new ‘diverging diamond’ interchange at I-4 and ChampionsGate

“(As) I was driving, it made me feel like I was driving on the opposite side of the road. And I was questioning, ‘Am I going the right way right now?’” Clements told Channel 9.

As many as 68,000 people pass through the intersection every day.

The Florida Department of Transportation said the new design is expected to cut down on congestion and crashes.

Clements said she hopes traffic will flow better once drivers get used to it.

“Pau attention. Be careful,” Clements said.

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Several drivers said they believe the signs are not visible enough.

Channel 9 asked FDOT if it plans to look into it, but we have not heard back.

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