LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Wrong-way crashes are rising across Michigan, but on one Grand Rapids freeway, the trend has flipped.

Since the state installed new wrong-way detection systems along a busy stretch of U.S. 131, crashes tied to drivers entering ramps the wrong direction have dropped by more than half, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

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The technology went live in 2023 along U.S. 131 between 28th Street and Ann Street, an area MDOT identified as a hotspot for wrong-way incidents.

About two dozen sensors were added to freeway on-ramps, integrated into existing signage drivers already recognize. When a vehicle moves the wrong direction, the system fires off bright warning lights and captures the incident on camera, alerting law enforcement as it happens.

The results have been noticeable. 

MDOT reports a 61% reduction in wrong-way ramp entries and a 54% drop in crashes since the systems were installed. Video regularly captures drivers reversing course once the lights activate.

The success stands out against a statewide backdrop moving in the opposite direction. Data from the Michigan State Police shows wrong-way crashes climbed from 407 incidents in 2022 to 445 in 2024, with fatal crashes fluctuating but remaining a persistent concern.

Encouraged by the U.S. 131 results, however, MDOT has already expanded the technology to I-194 in Battle Creek and plans additional installations in metro Detroit on routes including M-10, I-75 and I-696.

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“They’ve proven to be effective,” MDOT spokesperson John Richard said, “so it’s very encouraging.”