Governments of Canada and Ontario take next step to make border crossings more efficient CNW

Kuumad uudised | 21 Sep 2004 | EWR

WINDSOR, ON, Sept. 21 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Ontario have jointly selected a team to research and develop strategies for using
technology to improve the flow of traffic and information at all international border crossings between Ontario and the United States.
As part of the Let's Get Windsor-Essex Moving strategy, announced on March 11, 2004, this initiative involves the use of high tech Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to help manage traffic flow along roadways
leading to all border crossings.
"The governments of Canada and Ontario are committed to working together to make sure that solutions addressing border crossing issues are implemented quickly, efficiently and effectively," said Federal Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Joseph Volpe. "Both governments
believe that ITS has a critical role to play in meeting this objective."
"Fifty million vehicles use Ontario-U.S. border crossings every day," said Ontario Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar. "Almost $900milliondollars worth of goods move through our borders daily. Using
technology to make our borders more efficient will benefit us all. It's good for the economy, and it's good for tourism."
The consultant team will evaluate existing technology, to determine how it can best be used to keep drivers informed and better manage traffic during busy travel times.
ITS technologies include cameras to monitor traffic, weather and road conditions. The system also includes electronic sensors and detectors embedded in the roadway to gauge the speed of traffic. All of this information is passed along to drivers through real-time changeable message signs.
After a competitive bidding process, Delcan Corp. was selected by a joint Transport Canada-Ontario Ministry of Transportation evaluation committee to undertake the project. This initiative stems from the Let's Get Windsor-Essex Moving strategy, but the technology developed will be applicable at other border crossings in Ontario.
The 18-month project will cost approximately $1.3 million, to be shared equally by the federal and provincial governments. Federal funding for the
project comes from the Border Infrastructure Fund. Regularly updated project information will be available to the public at: www.intelligentborder.ca.
Funding for this project is built into the existing financial framework.

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