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Agency will add new features to expressways to limit potential crashes
In its continued commitment to provide safe, reliable, and clean expressways to the drivers of Miami-Dade County, MDX has begun construction on a systemwide Wrong Way Driving Vehicle Detection System (WWDVDS) program.
The program, which proceeded on June 1, 2022, will install 26 WWDVDS sites throughout MDX’s five expressways: the Airport Expressway/SR 112, Dolphin Expressway/SR 836, Don Shula Expressway/SR 874, Snapper Creek Expressway/SR 878, and the Gratigny Parkway/SR 924.
These WWDVDS, include features like wrong-way driving detection and notification and signing and pavement markings, which will help detect and alert, wrong-way drivers and the traveling public in an effort to prevent or discourage wrong way driving incidents within the MDX system.
“Investing in improvements to the expressway system is what keeps it functioning and amongst the safest to drive in the country,” MDX Executive Director Darlene Fernandez said. “It’s our responsibility to continue the work necessary to ensure that confidence in our roadways.”
The program includes the installation of wet weather pavement markings to improve visibility during night and rainy conditions and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) which will use a minimum of two detection technologies and confirmation cameras to detect vehicles entering the system the wrong way and to provide notifications in real time. When a wrong driver is detected, the system will activate rapid flashing LED lights to warn drivers that they are headed the wrong way. In addition, the system will alert the traveling public by using Dynamic Message Signs to be aware of the wrong way driving vehicle.
These features will be implemented at areas identified as safety concerns. Once completed, the program will minimize risks associated with wrong way traffic and improve the overall safety of the MDX roadways.
The project will take approximately a year to complete at a cost of $2,365,109 funded entirely by MDX toll revenue.
As the project takes place on the exit ramps from the expressways throughout the county, drivers can expect minor impacts to their everyday commute, including occasional lane closures and construction related traffic.
For questions about specific construction activities, please contact Public Information Officer Gregory Harleston at 754-208-8826 or by email at Gregory@HoltCommunications.net.
For more Miami news go to www.communitynewspapers.com
