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New Electronic Highway Signs Easier For Drivers To Read

 
New Electronic Highway Signs Easier For Drivers To Read
 
 
 

November 4, 2009 1:00 PM

McGuinty Government Investing In Safer Roads and Creating Jobs

Ten full-colour, electronic overhead signs will be installed along Highways 401, 404 and the Don Valley Parkway to make driving easier and safer for motorists.

Drivers will find these next-generation signs produce clearer traffic symbols -- improving readability about changing highway conditions and construction.  Studies have showed that the messages on variable message signs reduce collisions by 12 per cent. 

These signs are being manufactured in Woodbridge, Ontario, with 70 people employed during production and installation. 

Eight signs will be located on Highway 401 between Weston Road and Kennedy Road, one on the northbound Don Valley Parkway near Three Valleys Drive and another on Highway 404 southbound near Finch Avenue.

Production of the signs has started and installation is expected to be completed by summer 2010.  During construction, evening drivers may experience traffic delays due to lane closures.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • This $6.2-million contract was awarded to Black & McDonald of Scarborough, Ontario.
  • In Ontario's 2009 Budget, the McGuinty government committed $32.5 billion to infrastructure improvements. $5.6 billion directly for highway infrastructure. These investments are expected to generate 50,000 jobs over two years.

CONTACTS

  • Bob Nichols
    Communications Branch
    416-327-1158
    Bob.Nichols@nullontario.ca
  • Nicole Lippa-Gasparro
    Minister's Office
    416-327-1815
    Nicole.Lippa-Gasparro@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Transportation
ontario.ca/transportation


 

"This is good news for drivers along some of Ontario's busiest highways. Using Ontario manufacturing muscle, we are creating safer conditions for drivers and boosting our economy."

 – Jim Bradley
Minister of Transportation


"These full-colour electronic overhead signs represent the latest technology. They will provide drivers with improved, up-to-date information and will help them navigate their travels along our highways safely and more efficiently."

 – Greg Sorbara
MPP for Vaughan