ORLANDO, Fla. – Cutting down on wrong-way drivers has been a major focus for the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX). For more than a decade, the agency has installed wrong-way detection systems at ramps across the region — and says they’re working.
The systems include red “Wrong Way” signs with flashing lights and cameras monitoring ramps. When a driver enters a ramp the wrong way, CFX said three things happen instantly: lights begin flashing, cameras alert the regional transportation management center, and dynamic message signs activate to warn other drivers on the expressway.
CFX said the technology is designed to stop drivers before a potentially catastrophic mistake turns into a serious crash. In the past decade, the agency reports an 88% turnaround rate — more than 2,800 wrong-way drivers detected, with around 2,500 turning around before reaching the main lanes.
The systems are already in place along major corridors including State Road 408, State Road 417 and State Road 528.
But CFX says there are still five locations that need the detection systems — including on State Road 429 near Schofield Road.
CFX tells News 6’s Amy Russo that the two ramps without detection along Schofield Road should be in place by next spring. The other three ramps are expected to come online once widening work on State Road 408 near downtown is complete.