“Wrong-way driving is a major safety issue that can lead to devastating consequences,” Beshear said. “This work will help us keep more Kentucky families safe on our roadways.”
Kentucky’s Wrong-Way Driving and Integrated Safety Technology System will use computing and detection to implement a pilot program aimed at detecting and deterring wrong-way incidents by alerting the wrong-way driver, other drivers, and emergency responders. Additionally, the system will improve existing intelligent transportation systems to monitor and detect other safety concerns related to pedestrians, debris, and halted vehicles on the roadway.
Stansell Electric is the prime contractor and Parsons Engineering is the lead designer and integrator in developing the technology to be deployed along five interstate ramps in Fayette County. A small-scale, three-month pilot program will begin in the summer of 2024 on select Interstate Highway 75 ramps in Fayette County, to test the accuracy, resiliency, and capabilities of different available systems before deploying to the final selected locations. Currently, vendors and the specific technology solutions to be tested are being evaluated and will be finalized before the pilot begins.
Plans for the Wrong-Way Driving and Integrated Safety Technology system consist of four elements:
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- Detection System: Identifies wrong-way incidents and other safety concerns in real time
- Deterrent System: Activates warnings designed to discourage the wrong-way drivers
- Alert System: Notifies drivers traveling in the correct direction that a wrong-way driver is detected; notifies first responder dispatchers of location of detected wrong-way driver
- Mainline Monitoring System: Identifies mainline safety concerns (pedestrians, debris, disabled vehicles, etc.)
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) awarded the contract for the project, which is estimated to cost up to $9.5 million when complete. The project is funded by a $5.14 million federal grant to improve highway safety on interstates to prevent wrong-way crashes, along with a state match.
“Improving highway safety is a core focus of this administration, and we’re pleased to pilot the latest in technological advancements to help prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities on our roadways,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “While innovative solutions can be part of the answer to curbing these incidents, it can never replace the need for drivers to make safe driving decisions, like never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Ultimately, six corridors in Fayette and Jefferson counties will feature the vetted technology. Selected sites for the new technology after the pilot include:
- Fayette County: New Circle Road/Kentucky Highway 4 from Newtown Pike to Richmond Road
- Fayette County: I-75/I-64 from Newtown Pike to the Southern Split
- Fayette County: I-75 from the Southern Split to Clays Ferry Bridge
- Jefferson County: I-264 from I-64 to I-65
- Jefferson County: I-64 from the Ohio River to Pee Wee Reese Road
- Jefferson County: I-65 from the Ohio River to Kentucky Highway 1065 (Outer Loop)
Existing digital and roadway signage will be integrated into a comprehensive system that will include additional signs, cameras, sensors, and other equipment purchased with the grant funds. Final locations were identified based on crash history and ramp design on interstate ramps in Fayette and Jefferson counties as most wrong-way crashes occur in these areas, with the potential to expand to other counties throughout the state.
“Roadway infrastructure improvements are part of a comprehensive effort to curb these tragic events,” Gray said. “In addition to implementing this new technological system, we’ll continue researching statewide opportunities to address wrong-way crashes, such as striping and signage. While our existing signage and markings meet federal requirements, we’re looking at how to enhance visibility and uniformity at every off-ramp.”
