HOWLAND, Ohio (WKBN)- A new diverging diamond is set to open to drivers in northeast Ohio at some point this Friday.

It's almost a year ahead of schedule, as it was originally set to be complete by next summer.

The announcement was made by Howland Township Trustee Matthew Vansuch that the diamond would be opening. The reason for this project was to improve safety and congestion at the intersection of OH-82 and OH-46. It will allow drivers to freely get on and off 82, improving traffic flow and eliminating left turns against oncoming traffic.

Trustees said the intersection was one of the worst for traffic and crashes in the area. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, diverging diamond interchanges reduce crashes by about 40% and reduce injuries and fatal crashes by over 50%

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