Wrong-Way Driver Pilot Project Progresses

As the new year unfolds, the NTTA’s Wrong-Way Driver Task Force continues to implement and monitor ways to curtail wrong-way driver incidents.  Safety is the NTTA’s first priority, and to date, the NTTA has already implemented a number of system enhancements to address these incidents.

They include:

LED-enhanced “Wrong Way” Signs
Six light-emitting diode (LED) signs were installed by Dec. 15, 2009 on the south end of the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) at Harry Hines and at the two northbound exit ramps to U.S. 380 and Cotton Gin in Frisco.  The flashing signs will be monitored for the next six months to make sure they are effective. 

Roadway/Median Modification at Wycliff Avenue for Southbound Exit Ramp
The NTTA continues to work with the City of Dallas on plans for median enhancements at the end of the DNT’s southbound exit at Wycliff Avenue.  The plans call for the elongation of two medians, which will make it difficult – if not impossible – for motorists to enter the DNT going the wrong way at Wycliff Avenue.  The NTTA estimates it will cost just under $20,000.  The work will take about two weeks once a final modification plan is agreed upon and the project is bid out.

Testing of a Loop Detection System
Inductive loops are sensors imbedded into the pavement to detect the number of axles on a vehicle as it enters and leaves a tolling point.  This same technology can detect when a vehicle is traveling in the wrong direction. The NTTA has completed testing of these inductive loops on various ramps and main lanes of the DNT.

Notification Software
The NTTA’s Information Technology (IT) Department created a way for technology at the lane level to send an audible and visual alert to the NTTA’s Command Center when a loop detects a motorist going the wrong way. IT added camera numbers to the alert to help Command Center staff quickly locate a suspected wrong-way driver.  The application will be deployed for testing once the client-to-server interface is complete.  Completion is expected for the first quarter of 2010.

Updated Standard Specifications
The NTTA Project Delivery Department updated the raised pavement markings/wrong-way arrow detail and sign post conspicuity (reflective) tape specifications for all future project plans.  These are the new specs that were identified and deployed system-wide per the Wrong-Way Driver (WWD) Task Force.  They are now required for all NTTA projects.  Raised pavement markings and reflective tape on “Do Not Enter” and Wrong Way” sign posts go beyond guidelines specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which is the standard for signs, signals, and pavement markings in the United States.

Click here to read more on the analysis from the NTTA Wrong-Way Driver Task Force.