The state's first diverging diamond traffic configuration got its first work day rush hour test Monday morning. 

And it appears to have passed. 

Drivers that spoke to Bay News 9 had plenty of positive comments about the new pattern and major roadway redesign.

  • New University Pkwy traffic pattern is first of its kind in Florida 
  • Diverging Diamond opened to traffic on Sunday
  • New pattern to ease traffic congestion in area

For nearly two years, the interchange by I-75 has been an ongoing construction zone. On Sunday afternoon, drivers started encountering the new Diverging Diamond Traffic Pattern for the first time. 

One driver said he is used to the pattern from years of driving in Kansas City. Another added that the backups were noticeably shorter. Still another said he was complaining but would like the lights to sync up.

"I believe it will be smooth,'' driver Jamie Edwards said of the transition to the new roadway pattern. "It'll make my morning and nights go easier."

The Diverging Diamond is used in busy intersections across the country in a total of 22 states. However, this is the first one in Florida, and may be new to many of the people who drive down University Parkway each day. 

It works by bringing traffic to the opposite side of the road for a short section where the thoroughfare and interstate meet. That creates free-flowing left turn lanes onto the interstate, instead of lines of cars stopped at traffic lights. 

When completed, the fully functioning pattern will have six lanes of traffic each of in both direction.

Drivers who live in the nearby Lakewood Ranch area agree, they've had enough of the construction, but they're not sure how this solution will work. 

"I believe that a road that needs instructions for usage is really not a really good development, so I guess we'll just see how it goes," said Catherine Shanley. 

"It's just confusing right now but it's kind of fun, it’s exciting to see if it'll help," said Lucy Smith. "But I'll tell ya what, it'll be interesting to find out how many people don't pay any attention... I'm so afraid of getting side swiped."