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Kentucky officials plan to use multi-million dollar grant to 'curb' wrong-way crashes

The announcement follows a fatal wrong-way collision on I-65 South near the Watterson Expressway Sunday afternoon.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky is getting a multi-million dollar grant to improve highway safety and prevent wrong-way crashes.

The Governor's office announced Monday the $5.14 million federal grant will fund new technology that not only detects wrong-way drivers but alerts other drivers and emergency responders.

According to KYTC between 2015 and 2022, there were 88 wrong-way driving crashes in Kentucky where a driver used an off-ramp to go in the wrong direction. Those crashes resulted in 16 fatalities and 27 injuries.

“When we look at the opportunity to use technology like this, the goal is to prevent those types of actions and outcomes," KYTC Deputy State Highway Engineer Jason Siwula said.

Kentucky's Wrong Way and Integrated Safety Technology System will use cameras and sensors on interstates to detect and deter wrong-way incidents by alerting the wrong-way driver, other drivers and first responders.

"Ultimately all of these different things together, we’re looking to make a big difference for those who live in work in travel in our state," Siwula said.

Here's how the safety technology system will work:

  1. Detection System - Identifies wrong-way incidents and other safety concerns in real time
  2. Deterrent System - Activates warnings designed to discourage the wrong-way drivers
  3. Alert System - Notifies correct direction travelers and emergency responders
  4. Mainline Monitoring System – Identifies mainline safety concerns (pedestrians, debris, disabled vehicles, etc.)

Siwula said the technology could include low light cameras, automated signage and flashing lights. They're also exploring technology to incorporate wrong way driving detection roadside. 

“Instead of that video needing to be uploaded to a different location, we’ll be doing video analytics right there to get that immediate response," he said.

The grant will also improve existing safety systems, detecting other safety concerns related to pedestrians, debris and halted vehicles on the roadway, according to a press release from the governor's office. 

Siwula said the pilot program will start with Jefferson and Fayette Counties, where the majority of the crashes occurred. 

Officials will take into account how many car crashes have occurred in certain areas to determine which stretches of interstate and ramps will receive more safety equipment.

Prior to Beshear's announcement, a 26-year-old man was killed and three others were injured in Louisville after a wrong-way crash on I-65 South. Police say a man has several charges pending in connection to that accident.

Siwula said its impossible to say if the technology being rolled out in the pilot would have prevented that crash. 

“I can’t say yes or no that that would have, but the intent is we prevent as many of those types of actions as possible," he said. 

Siwula said research suggests these types of systems can be impactful even in DUI cases. He said KYTC will continue working with local law enforcement to stop and discourage against impaired driving before it occurs. 

“We want to get everybody to their destination safely every time," he said. 

Siwula said the program is still in the procurement phase. 

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