The Arizona Department of Transportation announced Monday that a new $3.7 million pilot program has been approved in efforts to better detect wrong-way drivers.
.@dougducey & @ArizonaDOT have announced a new $3.7M pilot program to prevent wrong-way driving. It'll be unveiled on I-17 in PHX. @kgun9
— Carlos Herrera (@KGUNCarlos) June 13, 2017
ADOT says the program, which will first be unveiled on Interstate 17, uses a thermal detection system to recognize wrong-way drivers. It then alerts the wrong-way driver with flashing lights and overhead signs, and alerts nearby drivers and law enforcement.
ADOT put out the following information related to the release:
“While ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety respond quickly to reports of wrong-way drivers, most incidents begin with 911 calls from other motorists. The advantages of this system begin with automatically alerting ADOT and DPS to wrong-way drivers at the point of entry and getting State Troopers to wrong-way vehicles faster. This system can reduce the risk, but it can't prevent wrong-way driving.”
ADOT says construction is expected to begin this fall on Interstate 17 from the Interstate 10 to the Loop 101. Installation will take seven months. Performance of the program on the 15 mile stretch of the Interstate 17 will help ADOT determine how to further the project.
