The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority is installing new technology along the Selmon Expressway to prevent wrong-way driving incidents.

Crews are currently installing pavement lighting on ramps to alert drivers, along with new signs equipped with beacons that flash when a driver is traveling the wrong way. The system will also include updated fiber connections, allowing traffic managers to alert other motorists of wrong-way drivers.

The technology features multiple detection levels that first trigger lights to help drivers self-correct, then notify the traffic management center and message boards if the driver continues in the wrong direction.

Wrong-way driving is of particular concern on the Selmon Expressway due to its reversible express lanes, which have additional access points that may confuse infrequent users.

The project is approximately halfway complete, with full activation expected by early next year.

Separately, the THEA board of directors approved a $362 million contract for the South Selmon Capacity Project, which will add one lane in each direction along more than 4 miles of the expressway and modernize 26 bridges. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News)

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