Press Release: 10/27/2026
Governor Healey Announces Progress of Wrong-Way Driving Prevention Initiative
Nearly 90 detection systems installed since June; new technology has detected more than 215 wrong-way driving incidents, with approximately 140 drivers correcting course
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/26/2026
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced significant progress on its $75 million statewide initiative to prevent wrong-way driving crashes and improve roadway safety across Massachusetts. Since launching the initiative in June, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has installed 86 wrong-way detection systems, deployed 12 portable detection and warning trailers and upgraded signage and pavement markings at 85 percent of highway ramps statewide.
The new technology has already detected more than 215 wrong-way driving incidents, with approximately 140 drivers correcting course. The initiative, funded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature, includes advanced detection technology, improved roadway signage and targeted infrastructure upgrades at more than 800 high-risk locations identified statewide.
“Wrong-way driving crashes can have devastating consequences for families, and we're doing everything we can to take action to prevent these tragedies before they happen,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That's why we invested to put new safety technology on our highways, warn drivers when they're going the wrong way and help law enforcement respond quickly. We're seeing encouraging results, and we're going to keep expanding these protections across Massachusetts to save lives and keep people safe.”
“Thanks to the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassDOT has advanced critical investments in wrong-way driving detection and prevention systems that can stop these tragedies before they happen,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “In the past three months alone, this technology has made a difference by alerting law enforcement to incidents and redirecting over 130 wrong-way drivers before crashes could occur. This system will position Massachusetts as a nationwide leader in wrong way prevention and detection and will help keep our roads safe for everyone.”
“Through our strong collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police, we continue to make great strides in combating wrong-way driving by deploying detection technology, increasing enforcement, and raising awareness about the importance of safe driving,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We have worked closely with our consultants at VHB and our vendors at Applied Information, TAPCO, NETS and FLIR. Thanks to these partnerships and the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassDOT continue to take an aggressive approach to reducing wrong-way driving.”
“Wrong-way driving incidents pose an extraordinary danger to everyone on our roadways,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “Our Troopers frequently respond to these dangerous situations, putting their lives at risk to ensure public safety. The tragic loss of Trooper Kevin Trainor in a wrong-way driving crash this year underscored the urgency of this work and the continued collaboration among public safety and transportation officials to do what we can to prevent these incidents and save lives. We commend the investment in technology and the deployment of these tools to protect the public and our Troopers in the field.”
Since June, MassDOT crews have installed new wrong-way detection technology at 86 locations statewide, including retrofitting existing signalized intersections and highway camera systems. The technology detects wrong-way movements and provides real-time alerts to transportation officials and law enforcement. The systems also include illuminated warning signs with flashing lights to alert drivers when they are traveling in the wrong direction.
MassDOT expects to bring approximately 40 additional detection systems online by the end of 2026, with a goal of having 300 operational by the end of 2027.
In addition to the detection systems, MassDOT has installed enhanced WRONG WAY and DO NOT ENTER signage and refreshed pavement markings at 85 percent of highway ramps statewide. Other improvements include directional arrows and upgraded lighting to help drivers navigate highway entrances and exits safely.
MassDOT is also piloting new detection technologies at locations without existing infrastructure and using collected data to identify additional roadway improvements that can help reduce driver confusion and prevent wrong-way crashes.
Additional information is available at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/wrong-way-driving-program.
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