CTDOT Designing Wrong Way Detection Systems

CTDOT Designing Wrong Way Detection Systems

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is designing Wrong Way Detection Systems which will be installed at 42 limited access highway off-ramps that are considered high-risk locations for wrong-way drivers.

Wrong way driving has become a major issue in Connecticut and there has been an increase in these deadly incidents. In 2022, wrong-way driving crashes tripled in Connecticut and studies show these crashes are 100 times more likely to be fatal. Earlier this year, we lost a member of the state legislature when he was killed by a wrong way driver.

In response to this increase and in an effort to prevent these deadly crashes, the legislature unanimously passed House Bill 6746 to allow DOT to study and implement these detection systems.

Locally, one of these systems will be installed on Route 66 East in Middlefield.

Typical Wrong Way Detection Systems may consist of radar, video, or thermal cameras that will be deployed along off-ramps as the primary detection for wrong-way vehicles. The detection will then activate flashing red circular lights on the wrong-way signs, alerting drivers that they are traveling in the wrong direction and need corrective action. Connecticut State Police and CTDOT will be alerted if a driver continues the wrong way.

The design plans for this project are expected to be completed in June 2023, with a tentative advertising date of August 2023.

For any questions or comments on this project, contact Lisa Conroy, Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-2744 or at lisa.conroy@ct.gov. Please refer to State Project No. 0171-0495.