The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the activation of its 300th Wrong Way Driver Detection System, a milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to prevent wrong-way crashes and save lives.
WATCH: CTDOT Installs 300th Wrong Way Detection System
CTDOT installed the 300th site on the Route 571 Exit 1 off-ramp, adjacent from Beehive Stadium in New Britain. A map of all active locations can be found at portal.ct.gov/WrongWayDriving.
Since the program launched in December 2023, more than 1,000 drivers have activated one of these systems and successfully turned around. Data also shows a reduction in the number of wrong-way crashes and fatalities across the state since the program’s launch.
“We’re proud to reach this historic milestone for our Wrong Way Detection Program, which continues to prove its life-saving effectiveness. When a driver self-corrects before entering the highway in the wrong direction, it shows how this technology is helping to prevent dangerous situations from becoming tragedies,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “While this technology is an important tool, we also need drivers to do their part. Pay attention, look for the signs, and always drive sober. These are simple actions that can help keep people safe.”
CTDOT launched the program in 2023, after 13 wrong way crashes in 2022 resulted in 23 fatalities. Since then, it has expanded its program to become one of the largest Wrong Way Detection Programs in the country, earning the agency a national award.
With each detection site, the program aims to prevent wrong way entries, improve response times, and gather reliable data to strengthen future interventions.
The systems use cameras to detect vehicles that are traveling in the wrong direction. If a vehicle is detected, wrong way signs outlined with multiple sets of red lights are activated and begin flashing to alert the driver that they’re traveling in the wrong way. Additionally, these systems alert CTDOT’s Highway Operations Centers and Connecticut State Police in real-time.
In addition to these systems, CTDOT has installed hundreds of Wrong Way and Do Not Enter signs on off-ramps, additional roadway pavement markings, and, where possible, directional arrows on traffic signals to indicate which direction a driver should head.
Currently, CTDOT has funding and plans for 400 systems total.
To learn more about the program and view a map of active locations, visit portal.ct.gov/WrongWayDriving.