A $9.5 million initiative aimed at preventing wrong-way crashes in Kentucky is set to enter the testing phase later this year.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet disclosed that the implementation of cutting-edge technologies will commence this summer as part of the wrong-way pilot program, initially focusing on select Interstate 75 ramps in Fayette County. Subsequently, additional ramps in Fayette and Jefferson counties will be equipped with similar wrong-way prevention technology in the coming fall, according to the Transportation Cabinet.
The chosen sites for the wrong-way program 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)
“Wrong-way driving is a major safety issue that can lead to devastating consequences,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “This work will help us keep more Kentucky families safe on our roadways.”
Stansell Electric has been designated as the prime contractor, with Parsons Engineering serving as the lead designer for the “Wrong-Way Driving and Integrated Safety Technology System,” as per a KYTC news release. The system aims to deter wrong-way incidents by alerting the errant driver, as well as other motorists and emergency responders. The technology integrates existing digital and roadway signage with additional signs, cameras, sensors, and other equipment, capable of detecting pedestrian safety concerns, debris, and stalled vehicles.
“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,” said Jim Gray, Kentucky transportation cabinet secretary. “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.”
The decision to implement this initiative was influenced by a concerning history of 191 crashes involving wrong-way driving on the state’s interstates and parkways between 2015 and 2023, resulting in 55 fatalities and 76 serious injuries, as reported by the KYTC.
The selection of sites in Fayette and Jefferson counties was based on the history of wrong-way crashes and ramp design considerations. The project is funded by a $5.14 million federal grant through the Advanced Transportation and Congestions Management Technologies Deployment program, supplemented by a state match.
Source: Land Line
