Governments fund next stage of ITS at Blue Water

SARNIA, Ont. — Ontario and Ottawa will kick in $4.4 million for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology at the Blue Water Bridge border crossing along Highway 402 to enhance safety and help improve the flow of traffic.

The technology includes pavement sensors that monitor vehicle speeds and, within 30 seconds, send traffic information to queue-end warning signs and to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Southwestern Regional Communications Centre.

On busy days, commercial trucks make up 30
percent of traffic on the Blue Water Bridge

The warning signs will provide motorists with information on traffic conditions ahead; and nine closed-circuit television cameras that will assist MTO staff to detect incidents and dispatch emergency services sooner.

These investments are one element of a larger Action Plan for Intelligent Border Crossing, which includes some ITS initiatives that have already been implemented such as management systems, traveller information systems and commercial vehicle and passenger car pre-screening.

The MTO reports a significant decrease in the number of border traffic collisions approaching the bridge in the last few years. Between January and July 2004, there were 26 collisions involving vehicles in slow or stopped traffic. In the same seven-month period in 2005, there were no similar collisions.

“This new technology will help keep this important transportation and trade corridor moving,” said Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon.

As for Highway 402, other current projects leading to the border crossing, include:

Phase 2 construction of rebuilding Hwy 402 from Lambton Road 26 to Highway 21; widening of Hwy 401 from Hwy 402 to Wellington Road in London from four to six lanes; and cost-sharing the eastbound lane plaza reconstruction by Ontario and the Blue Water Bridge Authority.