New technology aimed at preventing crashes caused by wrong-way drivers is coming to Interstate 19 in southern Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is installing detection and warning systems along I-19 from Tucson to Nogales. The systems will alert both the public and law enforcement when a vehicle is detected traveling the wrong direction.
“It can’t stop wrong-way driving,” said Garin Groff, ADOT spokesman, in a statement. “But it allows law enforcement to respond more quickly.”
The $5 million system is part of a $6.2 million intelligent transportation project. Cameras will be mounted along the highway to detect wrong-way vehicles. Once detected, overhead message boards will alert drivers, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be notified.
DPS spokesman Bart Graves said a similar system in Phoenix has been effective. While I-19 doesn’t see as many wrong-way incidents, Graves said the technology is a valuable tool in increasing safety.
“Anything that helps get these people off the road before they kill or seriously injure someone is our goal,” he said.
ADOT expects the system to be completed later this year or early 2026 and hopes to expand it statewide.
Source: KVOA.com, KOLD.com
