New wrong-way driving systems have detected more than 215 incidents in Massachusetts, with about 140 drivers correcting course, transportation officials reported Oct. 26.
MassDOT has installed 86 detection systems since June as part of a $75 million safety initiative. It has also deployed 12 portable detection and warning trailers and upgraded signs and pavement markings at 85% of highway ramps statewide, according to the department's announcement.
The equipment detects vehicles moving in the wrong direction and sends alerts to transportation officials and police. Flashing, illuminated warning signs are intended to catch the driver's attention while there is still an opportunity to turn around.
MassDOT expects about 40 additional systems to be operating by the end of 2026 and has a goal of 300 by the end of 2027. The wider program also includes arrows, lighting and other changes intended to make highway entrances and exits easier to recognize.
The reported course corrections are an early operational measure, rather than a count of crashes prevented. The announcement does not provide a comparison showing how crash or injury rates changed at equipped locations.
Officials say they are using information collected by the systems to identify further changes where road layouts may confuse drivers. The initiative covers technology and other improvements at more than 800 locations identified by the state.