ORLANDO, Fla. – The Central Florida Expressway Authority says its long-running push to prevent wrong-way driving is making a measurable difference. For more than 10 years, CFX has been adding wrong-way detection technology to ramps throughout the region, and the agency says the systems are helping stop drivers before they get onto the roadway.
The setup combines red “Wrong Way” signs equipped with flashing lights and cameras that keep watch over the ramps. According to CFX, when a vehicle heads up a ramp in the wrong direction, the response is immediate: the warning lights flash, cameras notify the regional transportation management center, and electronic message boards alert drivers already traveling on the expressway.
CFX said the goal is to interrupt a dangerous mistake before it leads to a devastating crash. Over the past decade, the agency has reported an 88% turnaround rate, with more than 2,800 wrong-way drivers detected and about 2,500 of them turning around before reaching the main travel lanes.
The detection systems are currently operating on several of Central Florida’s busiest routes, including State Road 408, State Road 417 and State Road 528.
Still, the agency says five ramps remain without the technology, including locations on State Road 429 near Schofield Road.
CFX told News 6’s Amy Russo that the two Schofield Road ramps that do not yet have detection systems are expected to be equipped by next spring. The remaining three ramps are slated to come online after the State Road 408 widening project near downtown is finished.
