Wildlife Detection System Installed Near Sault Ste. Marie
November 6, 2009 7:14 PM
McGuinty Government Improving Safety On Highway 17
A newly installed detection system could significantly reduce the threat of vehicle collisions with large animals on a stretch of Highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie
Supported through the Northern Highways Program, the system has been installed at the bottom of Mile Hill, which is situated near prime moose habitat. The system continuously monitors the highway travel lanes and shoulders using infrared energy beams. When the sensors are activated by an animal, a flashing beacon automatically warns approaching drivers.
This technology was installed in November and is the first of its kind in Ontario. It will be assessed to determine the value of installing similar systems in other parts of the province.
Preliminary results from a similar system installed in Minnesota indicate a 50 to 60 per cent reduction in vehicle collisions with wildlife.
QUICK FACTS
- Rotalec Inc., a Canadian high technology distributor of industrial machine automation products, recently completed the $299,691 project.
- The 2009 Ontario Budget committed $648 million in northern highway rehabilitation and expansion in 2009-2010.
- Investments in Northern Ontario's highway infrastructure in 2009-10 will create an estimated 4,700 jobs.
LEARN MORE
CONTACTS
- Anne-Marie Flanagan
Minister's Office
416-327-0655
anne-marie.flanagan@ontario.ca
- Tom Marcolini
Transportation & Infrastructure
705-945-5836
tom.marcolini@ontario.ca
ontario.ca/north
"We anticipate that this unique system will significantly improve safety for the many people who drive this scenic stretch of Highway 17."
– Mike Brown
MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin
"This is another project undertaken by our government to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation infrastructure throughout Northern Ontario."
– Michael Gravelle
Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
"This innovative technology that we have installed on Highway 17 is designed to make the road safer for motorists -- and wildlife."
– Jim Bradley
Minister of Transportation
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