Several Mass. highways to install wrong-way driving detectors

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be testing out wrong-way detectors on highways across the state.

Rhode Island already has a similar system in place.

MassDOT says it’s part of a 2.6 million dollar pilot program, which will include the new system at 16 ramp locations across the state, alerting drivers and police if they’re heading the wrong way onto an interstate.

The first few will be tested out at the following locations:

Bernardston: I-91 northbound and southbound, exit 50 at Route 10

Burlington: I-95 northbound and southbound, exit 50B at Middlesex Turnpike

Danvers: Route 128 northbound and southbound, exit 43 at Route 62

Plymouth: Route 3 northbound and southbound, exit 13 at Long Pond Road

Webster: I-395 northbound and southbound, exit 1 at Route 193

“I drive a lot, I’m on highways a lot, and I think any kind of tool that would help is a good thing,” said Ellen Hewett.

While the new wrong-way detectors are installed, there will be some traffic restrictions to be aware of as MassDOT closes ramps and lanes in these areas every night this week from 10PM until 4AM.

Drivers see no issue with the new system after hearing about deadly wrong-way crashes over the years – whether a driver is distracted, intoxicated, or even when the weather is bad, it’ll be a warning sign to keep people safe.

“I would also think with storms because that sometimes it can be really confusing, I mean I’m thinking that for myself, not the drinking driving part, but I can see the storms as being an issue,” said Hewett.

MassDOT says there will be signs and police details while this work is being done, and they want drivers to slow down in these work areas this week.

This project is expected to be completed by Spring 2023.

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