The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) uses advanced technology to detect and help prevent wrong-way driving across its expressway network. As of August, 2026, advanced detection and mitigation technology is installed at 100% of CFX off-ramps outside of active ramp reconstruction projects, providing comprehensive coverage across the system.
This coverage reflects more than a decade of research, innovation, and investment aimed at reducing the risk of wrong-way driving incidents and helping keep motorists safe.
Program History
The CFX Wrong-Way Driving Program began in 2012 with an initial study conducted in partnership with the University of Central Florida. This initial study helped to define the problem of Wrong Way Driving in the region and position us for next steps in mitigating the challenge that many wrong-way driving events went undetected or unreported.
At the time, no commercially available technology was available to address the needs of the system. In response, CFX worked with industry partners to help develop a system to detect wrong-way movements, warn drivers, alert operations personnel, and record events for analysis.
What began with prototype development, evolved through pilot deployments and continuous refinement into the comprehensive system deployed across the agency’s network today.
How the System Works
When a vehicle enters an off-ramp in the wrong direction, advanced detection technology activates a series of warning devices designed to alert the driver and encourage them to turn around before reaching the mainline expressway.
The system can:
- Detect wrong-way vehicle movements
- Activate flashing warning signs and other safety devices
- Capture images of the event
- Alert operators at the Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC)
- Support notifications to law enforcement
- Display warnings to drivers using dynamic message signs when needed
Program Results
Over the past decade, CFX’s Wrong-Way Driving Program has helped more than 2,500 wrong-way drivers turn around before entering the mainline expressway, an overall turnaround rate of more than 88%.
Evolving the System
CFX continues to evaluate new technologies and strategies to further reduce wrong-way driving incidents. New technologies and enhancements include:
- Engineering enhancements such as updates to traffic signals to replace generic green ball signals with informative directional green arrows, as well as improvements in positive guidance pavement markings and signing improvements on the side street.
- Internally Illuminated Raised Pavement Marking (iiRPM) installations to alert wrong-way drivers
- Computer Vision technologies that use existing roadway camera infrastructure to show where a wrong-way driver travels if they continue onto the expressway and pass the warning signs.
As new technologies emerge and additional data becomes available, CFX continues to advance its Wrong-Way Driving Program to help make Central Florida’s expressways safer for everyone.