Section 105 Wrong Way Driving 2

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation shall develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive protocol to prevent the occurrence of wrong way driving on limited access roadways. The protocol shall include, but not be limited to: (i) directional striping on access ramps, adequate signage, lane delineators, lighting, detection systems which activate multi-sensory warning devices that alert wrong way drivers and notify public safety agencies of wrong way driving incidents in real time; (ii) messaging systems which notify motorists of the threat of a wrong way driver; and (iii) other infrastructure based on current science and research relative to the prevention of wrong way driving incidents. The protocol shall be implemented in the most expeditious manner possible, pursuant to a multiyear plan which shall identify and prioritize access ramps and intersections based on a threat level or other similar analysis that shall include, but not be limited to, documented incidents of wrong way driving and identifiable logistical defects or deficiencies. The protocol shall be updated periodically, in increments of not less than 3 years. In carrying out this section, the highway administrator shall, in consultation with the secretary of transportation, prepare a budget for the initial cost of the plan and shall thereafter issue annual reports that shall include the costs associated with such plan for the next fiscal year, progress made in implementing the protocol and the protocol's impact and effects on reducing incidents of wrong way driving. The report shall be submitted to the senate and house committees on ways and means, the joint committee on transportation, the joint committee on public safety and homeland security, the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the secretary of administration and finance and the secretary of public safety not later than April 30; provided, however, that such report shall be made for at least 5 years following the effective date of this act.