The Arkansas Department of Transportation will conduct overnight ramp closures from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday through Friday in Pulaski, Lonoke and Saline counties to test newly installed wrong-way detection systems designed to reduce dangerous head-on collisions.
Wrong-way driving crashes, though rare, account for a disproportionately high number of fatalities on highways. National data shows they make up just 3% to 4% of divided‑highway accidents but represent nearly 10% of deadly wrecks, according to a report from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Arkansas saw a few such crashes on its highways, prompting ARDOT to pursue technology proven in states like Arizona and Rhode Island.
The system combines radar and infrared vehicle sensors, closed‑circuit cameras, illuminated LED warning signs and back‑end communication with the ARDOT Traffic Management Center. When a driver enters a ramp in the wrong direction, flashing lights warn them immediately, and an alert is sent to traffic control so law enforcement can respond.
Studies conducted in Massachusetts and Rhode Island show that more than 80% of wrong‑way drivers self-correct after seeing the alerts, and crashes on equipped ramps dropped to nearly zero, according to a report from VHB. Arkansas’ phased testing will cover three to four ramps nightly, with emergency responders still permitted access.
Source: KATV News, Arkansas Department of Transportation, National Conference of State Legislatures, VHB
