PHOENIX (AP) - The state Transportation Board has approved a $3.7 million project to construct a thermal detection system on a 15-mile stretch of Interstate 17 that will detect wrong-way vehicles on the Phoenix freeway.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey told the Arizona Department of Transportation last week to accelerate construction of the system after recent wrong-way crashes.
Construction of the thermal camera pilot system is expected to begin this fall on I-17 from Interstate 10 to Loop 101 with full installation taking seven months.
People were interested in these podcasts
Further expansion depends on how well the pilot system works.
The system will issue warning signs for wrong-way drivers and advisories for right-way drivers along the I-17 stretch.
On freeway ramps, wrong-way vehicles will trigger alerts including illuminated signs with flashing lights aimed at getting drivers to stop.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.