Wrong-way driver systems installed on 580 in Carson City

The Nevada Department of Transportation has substantially completed installation of wrong-way driver detection systems on Interstate 580 in Carson City, according to a NDOT news release.

In addition to existing “Wrong Way” signs, NDOT has installed the systems at five locations:

• Fairview Drive – northbound and southbound off ramps

• U.S. 50 – northbound and southbound off ramps

• East College Parkway – northbound and southbound off ramps

• Arrowhead Drive – northbound off ramp

• North Carson Street – southbound off ramp

The system uses radar and closed-circuit cameras to detect vehicles entering in the wrong direction, activating two sets of red flashing wrong-way signs on the ramp.

While the wrong way driver systems are now installed and active at all five exits, drivers will see brief lane and ramp closures in coming weeks for finishing construction, the release said.

Between 2014 and 2018, an average of 27 crashes and over 90 citations occurred every year associated with wrong-way crashes in Nevada, according to NDOT.

As part of a recently-completed study, NDOT installed 37 wrong-way driver detection systems, including on U.S. 395 in the North Valleys. The study shows that 84 percent of wrong-way vehicles detected safely turned around before entering the freeway.

NDOT also is identifying additional interchange off-ramps throughout the state for potential wrong-way driver detection systems.

Highway information is available at dot.nv.gov or by calling 775-888-7000.