The system consisted of front radar that is used to activate light-emitting diode (LED)-highlighted flashing signage when a vehicle enters the ramp in the wrong direction, and triggers a camera to begin taking images. As the vehicle passes the camera and is detected by the rear radar, the images and time stamp of the event are transmitted wirelessly over a commercial cellular network to a web interface hosted by the manufacturer. The Traffic Management Center (TMC) and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) regional communications center continually monitor for an audible alarm, which is triggered when the web site is populated with event data. This occurs within approximately 60 seconds of the field event, allowing TMC operators to respond to the event, view the wrong way driver on available closed-circuit television cameras, coordinate with the FHP dispatch, notify any Road Ranger service patrol located in close proximity, and activate dynamic message signs (DMS) in the area.

Findings

• After three months of operation, six vehicles were detected entering the project sections in the wrong direction, all of which resulted in a complete activation of TMC and FHP response plans, including DMS messaging in both directions for a 20 mile area advising motorists that a wrong-way driver has been reported and to use extreme caution.
• Evidence to date suggests that all vehicles have self-corrected, as no crashes have been reported.