Wrong-way detection system up and running on Florida I-4 Express Lane ramps

Information 6 has been reporting on the shortage of a Mistaken-Approach Automobile Detection System (WWVDS) even earlier than the primary Specific Lane head-on wreck final 12 months and now the system is lastly in place at some I-4 Specific Lane direct-connect ramps.

The Florida Division of Transportation had posted patrol automobiles on the direct-connect ramps for the previous 12 months whereas it labored to hurry up set up of the WWVDS.

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Cameras, sensors and lights are all lastly in place — no less than on the South Road direct-connect exit from the I-4 Specific Lanes.

The WWVDS works by flashing purple lights and notifying troopers immediately when the sensors and cameras detect a automobile going the improper method onto the ramp. The profitable system has been in place for years on State Routes 417 and 408 and different I-4 normal lane entrances.

However FDOT has been involved about head-on crashes within the I-4 Specific Lanes since they first opened final February with nothing greater than some non-lighted improper method indicators and pavement markings.

And certainly sufficient, simply days after the lanes opened, it occurred.

Driver Maurice Turrell informed Information 6 proper after his wrong-way crash on I-4 that he in all probability obtained into the Specific Lanes utilizing a direct-connect ramp.

There are 4 direct-connect ramps from Orlando to Altamonte Springs — direct routes connecting the Specific Lanes to native roads with out requiring drivers to journey by means of the I-4 free lanes.

The ramps are extraordinarily environment friendly but in addition extraordinarily harmful if drivers find yourself going the improper method.

After Information 6 began reporting on the potential hazard, FDOT sped up its timeline by a 12 months and began putting in the WWVDS techniques final 12 months, ending South Road first.

FDOT spokesperson Cindi Lane mentioned the opposite three direct-connect ramps at Grand Nationwide, Ivanhoe and Central Parkway can be achieved by the spring of 2023.

“Further I-4 WWVDS expertise set up and testing is deliberate for Grand Nationwide Drive, Ivanhoe Boulevard and Central Parkway as a part of the primary section,” Lane mentioned. “It’s our hope to have these in place by the Spring, which is effectively forward of schedule. Security is FDOT’s highest precedence, and we’ve got added pavement markers and signage and can proceed to do all we are able to to make it as secure as potential.”

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