PHOENIX - Arizona Department of Transportation will be introducing intricate intersections at the new South Mountain Freeway.
The "diverging diamond" interchange was first built in France in the 1970s to help traffic move more smoothly. It's now catching on in the U.S.
"The first one was built in Missouri in 2009 and now there's more than 80 across the country," said Dustin Krugel, a spokesperson for ADOT.
The first two in Arizona will be at Desert Foothills Parkway and 17th Avenue along the freeway.
"This intersection requires motorists to briefly cross to the left-hand side of the road through a carefully designed crossover intersection," said Kruger.
It looks confusing, so it raises the question: Is it safe?
"National studies show a major reduction in crashes at these intersections as well as a reduction in traffic delays," said Kruger.
A five-month study at a diverging diamond interchange in Missouri showed a 60 percent reduction in collisions.
At Estrella Drive, you will also notice a new look intersection called a double roundabout.
Social media is sounding off about the confusing new intersections with safety concerns.
"With any new traffic pattern, there will be a learning curve. We believe motorists will find these new intersections very helpful when they start using them in 2019," said Kruger.
The South Mountain Freeway will be completed in 2019.