Wrong-Way Driving Task Force NTTA’s Efforts in North Texas Presented to: 2011 Transportation Short Course Eric Hemphill, P.E. Assistant Director of Maintenance Operations North Texas Tollway Authority October 12, 2011
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Introduction • The NTTA Roadway System
– Currently 98 center-line miles and growing • Primarily divided high-speed roadway
– Frontage roads – 166 Exit Ramps
• Traffic Characteristics – Principally used by commuters traveling between the
growing suburbs and various business districts – Steady traffic growth – High operating speeds on main lanes – Conversion to all Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)
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WWD Task Force Key Findings • Overall crash rates on lower than those on other
Texas Interstate Highways (per 100 million VMT in 2008) – State-wide 105 – DNT 87 – PGBT 59
• Wrong Way Drivers accounted for a small percentage of the overall accidents (0.6%)
• High frequency of Wrong Way incidents during the first half of 2009 (5 in 6 accidents) – Only 2 during the second half of 2009
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WWD Task Force Key Findings • Driver impairment is the overriding factor
– All WWD crashes in 2008 & 2009 involved one or more intoxicated drivers
• 94% of NTTA WWD crashes from 2007 to 2009 occurred between 11:00 PM & 4:00 AM (15 of 16)
• No consistent correlation between WWD and a particular roadway section or configuration
• All countermeasures evaluated have limitations • Worldwide long term problem
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WWD Task Force Recommendations
• Three-pronged approach – Engineering – Enforcement – Education
• Continued assessment and deployment of feasible countermeasures
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Implementation • Process Enhancements • Reflective Tape on Sign Post • RPM Arrows • LED Enhanced Signs • Modified Pavement Markings • Adjustments to intersection signage • Roadway intersection configurations • Lowered Wrong Way and Do Not Enter Signage • Loop Detection • Law Enforcement and MADD Partnerships
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Process Enhancements
• Implemented the Field Condition Checklist – Developed by TTI
• Increased inspection frequency of signs • Updated design standards
– Specific countermeasures on all future designs • Task Force stays active and meets regularly • Maintain open communication
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Reflective Tape and RPMs
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Reflective Tape and RPMs
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LED Enhanced Signs
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Modified Pavement Markings
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Modified Pavement Markings
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Signage Modification
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Layout Improvements
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Brown St
Layout Improvements
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Lowered Signs
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Lowered Signs
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Lowered Signs
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Lowered Signs
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Lowered Signs
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Loop Detection
ALERT SENT TO COMMAND CENTER
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Enforcement • DPS Enforcement
– Immediate response to detections or reported incident
– Quarterly DUI Task Force • Command Center
– Constant monitoring and prompt dispatching
– Video verification – Agency coordination
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Summary of Wrong Way Crashes on NTTA Roadways - 2009
Fatal Crash
Non-fatal Crash
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Fatal Crash Non-fatal Crash No Crash
Summary of Reported Incidents Total – 39 (26 confirmed) 67% Video 33% Loop Detection 36% DPS/Police 82% Phone Call 10% Crash
Summary of Wrong Way Incidents on NTTA Roadways - 2010
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Summary • Wrong Way Driving is a world wide issue • NTTA is proactively working to reduce incidents
• Engineering • Enforcement • Education
• Since the implementation of various countermeasures in the second half of 2009, WWD crashes have decreased significantly and with no a fatalities
• Cooperating with other entities for solutions
The mission of the North Texas Tollway Authority is to enhance mobility through responsible
and innovative tolling solutions.
