Mass. boosting efforts to stop wrong-way drivers

June 18, 2026 - 02:52

Governor Maura Healey announced a new wave of safety measures aimed at stopping wrong-way drivers before they cause tragedy. The state is replacing and expanding pavement markings, redesigning highway ramps, and adding more signs along roadways and on-ramps. Some of the new signs will feature flashing LED lights to grab a driver's attention. The state is also installing new sensors that can detect a vehicle going the wrong way and immediately alert law enforcement.

The initiative comes after a series of high-profile and deadly wrong-way collisions across the state. Officials say the problem often involves impaired drivers or older motorists who become confused at complex interchanges. The new technology is designed to give police a faster response time, potentially intercepting a driver before they enter the main highway.

The improvements will be rolled out at dozens of locations considered high-risk. State transportation officials are focusing on ramps that have a history of wrong-way entries. The goal is to make the road layout more intuitive and to provide clear, immediate warnings if someone does enter a ramp in the wrong direction. Healey said the state is committed to using every available tool to prevent these preventable crashes.