Wrong-Way Detection Systems Coming To Merritt, I-95 In Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be installing wrong-way detection systems beginning Wednesday on Interstate-95 northbound at Exit 5 and the Merritt Parkway southbound at Exit 31, according to First Selectman Fred Camillo and his weekly newsletter to the community.

Camillo said the systems will use video cameras to detect vehicles traveling in the wrong direction. If a vehicle is seen driving the wrong way, signs outlined with multiple sets of red lights will activate and flash to alert the driver, Camillo explained.

The system will also send real-time alerts to CT-DOT highway officials and the Connecticut State Police.

"The work is scheduled to be done by Thursday, Oct. 24, but it will necessitate some temporary lane closures," Camillo said. "During the work period, there will be a detour set up at Exit 6 northbound at the Greenwich/Stamford border for I-95 and at Exit 29 southbound on the Meritt. Please be aware when you are driving."

According to the CT-DOT Wrong Way Driving Program, there were 13 wrong-way crashes that resulted in 23 deaths in 2022.

In 2023, preliminary data shows there were five wrong-way crashes that resulted in seven deaths.

In almost every wrong-way crash, the driver was found to be impaired by alcohol, the program website says. Wrong-way driving countermeasures have been installed over the past two years to combat these crashes.