Governor Healey Announces Statewide
BOSTON- Governor Maura Healey, joined by Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, today announced a comprehensive statewide initiative to reduce wrong-way driving incidents through a combination of advanced detection technology, enhanced roadway signage, infrastructure improvements and targeted safety upgrades. Once complete, Massachusetts will have one of the strongest wrong way prevention and detection programs in the country.
The multi-year effort will focus on over 500 high-risk locations across Massachusetts where drivers may be more likely to enter roadways in the wrong direction due to driver confusion or roadway design. Improvements are already underway and will continue over the next several years as MassDOT expands detection systems, installs new warning technology and advances long-term infrastructure improvements designed to prevent crashes before they occur.
“We've seen firsthand the devastating impact that wrong-way driving crashes can have on families, law enforcement and communities across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “People deserve to be safe on our roads, and we're taking action. By investing in new technology, stronger safety measures and targeted infrastructure improvements, we're working to prevent these crashes before they happen and help save lives. Our hearts are with every family that has lost a loved one in a wrong-way driving crash, and we are committed to doing everything we can to prevent these tragedies from happening again.”
“Every person who gets behind the wheel should be able to get where they're going safely,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These investments will help us prevent wrong-way driving incidents, strengthen coordination with first responders and make our transportation system safer for drivers, passengers and families across Massachusetts.”
“Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are implementing targeted investments to improve roadway safety with measures that help prevent tragedies before they happen. Wrong-way driving remains one of the most dangerous behaviors across the nation’s roadways. As a state that chooses to lead, our goal is to reduce these incidents across the state with these safety measures so we can help identify wrong-way drivers more quickly, alert law enforcement faster and create a safer transportation network for residents and all who travel on our roadways. Every life saved is a reminder of why these investments matter, and we remain committed to using innovation and data-driven solutions to make our roads safer for everyone,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.
"Today's action by the Healey-Driscoll Administration will deliver several important new tools to help prevent the reckless wrong-way driving incidents that claim hundreds of lives nationally every year," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. "We're committed to leading on this issue because we know how the loss of Trooper Kevin Trainor, Sergeant Jeremy Cole, and Christopher Dailey has changed the lives of their families and loved ones forever. As we continue to honor their memory, we remain committed to working alongside our transportation and law enforcement partners to implement effective safeguards, prevent future tragedies, and create a safer Massachusetts for everyone."
“Roadway safety is MassDOT’s top priority, and through the comprehensive strategy we are announcing today, we expect to make significant progress in reducing wrong-way driving crashes, which too often result in tragic consequences,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “This plan combines detection, prevention, and infrastructure improvements that are already underway and will continue over the next few years. Detection measures include technology that provides real-time alerts and warnings when wrong-way driving is identified, while enhanced signage and pavement markings will help clearly guide drivers and prevent these incidents from occurring in the first place. In the longer term, we will advance capital projects to redesign and reconstruct interchanges with a history of wrong-way driving issues, making them safer for all road users. We will also continue to work closely with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and our law enforcement partners to raise public awareness about the dangers of wrong-way driving and reinforce the importance of following traffic laws.”
“The Massachusetts State Police continue to mourn the loss of Trooper Kevin Trainor, who gave his life while attempting to stop a wrong-way driver. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the dangers our Troopers confront every day in their mission to protect the public,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble.
“While our men and women continue to respond courageously to dangerous driving incidents, these roadway improvements and investments in technology will provide another critical tool to help prevent tragedies and ensure that everyone makes it home safely. Our hope is simple: that no other family will have to endure the loss and heartbreak experienced by the Trainor family."
“Incidents of wrong way driving are far too common on Massachusetts roadways, and we have seen their lethality in the tragic loss of Chris Dailey, Sergeant Jeremy Cole, and Trooper Kevin Trainor,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) “These tragedies, and others, compel swift and comprehensive action to do everything possible to prevent harm from wrong way driving. Fortunately, there are many tools available to effectively confront this threat to roadway safety. Today our state embarks on a mission to use those tools and make our highways safer for everyone who travels on them. While we are working toward the final passage of legislation to codify a state plan in statute, the steps announced today will begin making a difference as soon as they are taken.”
The initiative builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to improving roadway safety and follows several tragic wrong-way driving crashes that have impacted families,
MassDOT will retrofit existing signalized intersections and mainline camera systems with new wrong-way detection technology at approximately 430 locations across the state. The technology will identify wrong-way movements and provide real-time alerts to transportation officials and law enforcement. New hardware will be installed within existing signal cabinets to enable data collection, detection, and notification capabilities. Following installation, the systems will be integrated with activated warning measures, including illuminated signs with flashing LEDs designed to alert drivers before they enter a highway in the wrong direction. These
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Much of this work is already underway, with additional installations expected to begin in the coming weeks. MassDOT will continue to evaluate roadway conditions, collect data and identify
Statements of Support
Senator Brendan Crighton, Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation (D-Lynn):
"As the Legislature continues to work on policies that make our roads safer, we are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this multi-faceted approach to reduce wrong-way driving that will save lives and prevent future tragedies. We appreciate the Administration’s ongoing commitment to investing in safer roadways for everyone and the strong collaboration of stakeholders who have made this initiative possible.”
Representative James Arciero, House Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation (D – Westford):
"Investing in safer roads is one of the most important ways we can protect our communities. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and together, through this initiative, we will reduce risks, prevent tragedies, and help ensure that everyone gets to their destination safely."
Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem):
“Our district has felt the cost of wrong-way driving in the most painful way, with the loss of Trooper Kevin Trainor and a second trooper struck on the same stretch of Route 1 weeks later. I am grateful to Governor Healey for taking real action. This plan reflects the prevention we fought for in the Senate's FY2027 budget, and I will keep pushing to bring these safety measures to corridors like Route 1 so other families are spared this grief.”
Representative Sally P. Kerans (D-Danvers):
“Horrific crashes caused by wrong-way drivers have claimed too many lives and caused too many injuries, and we in state government have a shared responsibility to act. Danvers is among those communities where new signage to prevent wrong way crashes is being installed. I applaud Governor Healey for leading a fully coordinated transportation and public safety approach to this problem. We in the House will continue to work with both our Senate colleagues and the administration to support MassDOT and Senator Tarr’s work. Together we will use every tool – and create new ones if necessary – to prevent further loss of life from wrong way crashes on our roads."
Representative Andrew Tarr (D-Gloucester):
“As our communities continue to mourn Chris Dailey, Trooper Kevin Trainor, and others lost in wrong-way driving incidents, we are reminded that a single mistake on our roadways can lead to devastating consequences. The measures announced today represent a comprehensive, data-driven approach to preventing these tragedies before they occur. I am grateful to have worked with Senator Tarr and MassDOT on this issue, and I commend MassDOT's commitment to deploying both immediate safety improvements and long-term solutions that will help protect drivers, passengers, and first responders across the Commonwealth.”
Representative Hannah Bowen (D-Beverly):
“Here on the North Shore, we have felt the impact of wrong-way drivers, and we welcome these important upgrades to prevent future tragedies statewide. This is the strategy we need to improve roadway safety – one that keeps pace with the changes we’re already seeing in the vehicles we’re using, in drivers’ behavior, and in available technology.”
Mayor Paul Lundberg, City of Gloucester
"When tragedies occur, our communities look to their leaders to do more than just mourn. I am grateful to Governor Healey, the transportation and public safety teams, and our legislative leaders for turning loss into meaningful action through this initiative to prevent wrong-way driving. Communities like Gloucester know firsthand the devastating impact these crashes can have. This initiative is a significant step toward making our roads safer for residents, visitors, and future generations."
Mayor Dominick Pangallo, City of Salem:
“I’m heartened by today’s announcement from the Healey-Driscoll administration about these new measures to help deter wrong-way crashes before they happen. Far too many Massachusetts families have had their lives turned upside down from losing a loved one to a wrong-way driving collision. The devastation these crashes have caused touches communities across our Commonwealth, Salem included. These safety upgrades on our roadways will, I hope, reduce the chances that any family or community will again need to experience the tragic impacts of one of these crashes.”
District Attorney Marian Ryan, Middlesex County:
”Massachusetts is world leader in technology and its highest use is for the protection of public safety. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration, transportation leaders and legislators for making this significant investment in a comprehensive strategy to prevent wrong way crashes. By combining those technological advances with infrastructure improvements, and public awareness, this initiative will help save lives and give law enforcement and emergency responders better tools to protect the public. Roadway safety affects every one of us, and these proactive measures represent an important step toward making travel safer for communities across Massachusetts.”
District Attorney Paul Tucker, Essex County:
“I applaud Governor Healey’s proactive approach in targeting wrong-way drivers. In Essex County we have unfortunately been affected by a disproportionate number of these tragedies and our office remains committed to addressing this issue through enforcement, policy, and collaboration.”
Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director & CEO, Massachusetts Municipal Association
“The MMA and local leaders applaud this comprehensive and innovative state program to reduce dangerous wrong-way incidents on our roadways and save lives. These initiatives will reduce risks, enhance public safety responses, and update infrastructure. Local leaders welcome the opportunity to collaborate with MassDOT to make Massachusetts a national leader in wrong-way detection and prevention.”
Brian Williams, President, State Police Association of MA:
"Entering a divided highway in the wrong direction is a reckless, lethal act. We appreciate Governor Healey’s proactive leadership in launching this advanced early detection initiative. Combining this tech-driven approach with enacting an expanded Move Over law will create the comprehensive safety net needed to protect our members and everyone on Massachusetts roads.”
Fraternal Order of Police Executive Director Frank Frederickson:
“Taking actionable steps to address wrong way drivers through engineering, technology, and awareness will be very helpful in preventing tragedies, we are grateful for the concentrated efforts to improve public safety.”
“Taking actionable steps to address wrong way drivers through engineering, technology, and awareness will be very helpful in preventing tragedies, we are grateful for the concentrated efforts to improve public safety.”
Pat Purcell, Immediate Past President and Executive Board Member Fire Chief’s Association of Massachusetts FCAM:
“Any wrong way driver on the highways in the Commonwealth is a likely tragedy. These initiatives, supported by Governor Healey and MassDOT is exactly the proactive measures that we need to stop these dangerous incidents before they ever occur. These initiatives will save lives, protect the public, and reduce risk to first responders. “
John Nelson, First Vice President of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police (MassCOP):
"Governor Healey and MassDOT are taking important steps to address wrong-way driving with new technology and comprehensive mapping of higher-risk locations along our roads and highways. Too often we see the devastating outcomes from wrong-way driver incidents, including loss of life among law enforcement personnel and civilian drivers. MassDOT's prevention and detection program is a crucial investment that will enhance safety and save lives in the Commonwealth."
Rich Mackinnon President, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts:
“Time and time again we as Firefighters respond to the tragic results of wrong way drivers. The policies included in the Governor’s MassDOT initiative will undoubtedly help prevent these types of tragedies going forward.”
Ret. Chief Michael Bradley Jr., Executive Director, Massachusetts Chief of Police Association:
"Wrong-way driving incidents are among the most dangerous events on our roadways, often resulting in tragic consequences for motorists, passengers, and first responders. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association applauds Governor Healey, MassDOT, and our legislative partners for investing in proactive solutions that will help prevent these crashes and save lives.”
Kevin Turner, Executive Director, Massachusetts Ambulance Association:
Our members are often the first to arrive at the scene of wrong-way crashes, and what they witness is devastating. They see lives changed in an instant, families shattered, and communities left grieving. These tragedies are preventable, which makes them all the more heartbreaking. The recent loss of Trooper Kevin Trainor is a painful reminder of the human toll these crashes take. The Massachusetts
