FDOT installing wrong-way driver detection systems

A $1.14M project is underway in Pinellas to prevent wrong-way drivers from entering the highway. A similar project has been approved in Hillsborough County as well.

Department of Transportation officials have selected a handful of key locations where wrong-way driving happens most. Sometimes drivers enter the interstate in the wrong direction because they are impaired due to alcohol or drugs; other times it's just carelessness. This project aims to stop

Sensors installed on ramps will set of red blinking lights to alert drivers they are going the wrong way. They would also trigger alerts to be displayed on digital message boards to warn drivers on the interstate system.

The alerts will be installed in the following locations:

Pinellas

I-275

• Exit 16 (Sunshine Skyway Ln S)
• Exit 17 (Pinellas Bayway)
• Exit 17 (Pinellas Bayway)
• Exit 17 (54th Ave S)
• Exit 18 (26th Ave S)
• Exit 21 (28th St S)
• Exit 23 B (5th Ave N

I-175

• Dr MLK Jr. exit
• 6th St exit

I-375

• 8th St N exit

Hillsborough

 I-4 and Columbus Drive

•   I-4 and US 41/50th Street

•   I-75 and Fowler Avenue

•   I-275 and Bird Street

•   I-275 and Busch Boulevard

•   I-275 and Scott Street

•   I-275 and Ashley Drive

[ABC Action News] [FOX13]

Photo: Getty Images