Arizona Highway Wrong Way Project Moves Ahead

Arizona is moving ahead with a first-in-the-nation program to end wrong-way driving through thermal detection. The announcement by the state's department of transportation comes one week after a crash involving a wrong-way driver left two dead.

The system will be installed on I-17 and alert other drivers and law enforcement of wrong way drivers.

The system will take a three-phase approach when a wrong-way vehicle is detected: alerting wrong-way drivers so they can self-correct, warning right-way drivers and notifying law enforcement

Governor Ducey - prompted by the crash - had called for swift action to get thermal cameras installed as quickly as possible.

"The state must also take action to more seriously address the issue of wrong-way driving," Ducey said last week. "I have specifically ordered that the planned launch of thermal camera detection technology be expedited.

"I want those cameras implemented as quickly as possible, and expanded to as many areas as possible where they may make a difference and save a life."

Ducey says the state needs to take immediate actions to increase enforcement and public awareness. (Subscribe to local news alerts on Patch).

The plan had been to start installing thermal cameras that would notify drivers and law enforcement officers of wrong-way drivers.

The move by the transportation department makes good on Ducey's vow to move quickly.

Construction of the thermal camera pilot system is expected to begin this fall on I-17 from I-10 to Loop 101. ADOT is exploring ways to begin construction even sooner.

Full installation will take seven months, and the performance of this pilot will guide further expansion, the department says.

Graphic via Arizona Department of Transportation