New alert system shows wrong-way drivers on 45 SW tollway

AUSTIN, Texas - Video obtained by FOX7 shows a wrong-way driver on the new 45 SW tollway. Nearly a dozen incidents like it have taken place since the road open in June.

The intersections with FM 1626 and at MoPac are the problem areas, despite standard warning signs. The majority of incidents, like another video provided to FOX7 showing a car going the wrong way in reverse, took place during night-time hours.

Adjustments have been made at the intersections, according to Greg Mack, assistant director of IT and Toll Systems with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.

"We are looking at additional signage and illumination to help alert the drivers of the wrong way travel. It’s a new roadway so we think they are learning where the road goes,” said Mack.

All of the wrong-way drivers, according to Mack, self-corrected before triggering a new alert system that is part of the tollway.

"The system is great. The system has been excellent, in terms of detection, low false positives, meaning there was nothing there, so we have confirming technology confirming it’s a real event,” said Mack.

When a wrong-way driver doesn't turn around, the system is designed to send alerts to authorities. The alert typically is to happen before the first 911 call comes in. That, in theory, reduces response times.

There were more than 964 wrong-way crashes in Texas in 2018, according to state records, with 47 fatalities.

The system also has a capability that may be a game-changer. It can send warning alerts to cars equipped with smart road technology. A heads up display mounted from the windshield or in the dash can receive the alerts. The technology is currently available in high-end vehicles, according to Mack. It’s a feature people who spoke to FOX7 say they are ready to use.

“Any kind of heads up to something happening in front of me in the road, a car going 70 mph or 60 mph down the road is a good thing,” said a commuter who identified himself as Jim.

Another driver indicated she’d use the system if it was part of the option package with a car purchase.

Some domestic manufacturers are expected to start installing the technology into vehicles in 2022. CTRMA is working with Texas A&M on studying ways to install the warning system onto existing roadways and at trouble spots.

Work is currently underway to install the system into the SH 183 South Project.