Government uses north in border conjestion study.

Northern Ontario's border crossing faces various challenges but congestion, such as that experienced in the Windsor-Detroit corridor, is not one of them.

Nonetheless, Transport Canada is conducting a study to develop strategies for using technology with an eye to improving the traffic flow and information at all international border crossings.

The idea is to utilize new technologies, or what are called Integrated Transportation Systems (ITS). The system marries a combination of computer, information processing, sensing tools and telecommunication systems.

Within the family of ITS instruments are Traffic Management Systems. They are sensing devices installed in the pavement of some of the larger urban centres that work in conjunction with roadside remote-controlled cameras and display screens. The intent is to inform drivers of the road conditions or traffic flow. All the information is linked to a traffic management centre.

"There are actually people at the other end taking in the messages and they are the ones who activate roadside signs," says Susan Spencer, Transport Canada's director of Intelligent Transportation Systems policy office.

Road conditions then become predictable as the sensors, through the computer integration system, are able to communicate impending weather changes to town and city officials. It has huge health and environmental benefits. Municipalities can save money, she says, for example by using less salt before a snowfall and more after.

"You use four times more salt (once the change already occurs) than you would if you could get it done beforehand plus you're mitigating the effect salt has on the environment," she says.

But Traffic Management Systems could also be used to keep abreast of the current vehicle numbers at the borders.

"Essentially, what we are looking at are ways to manage traffic flows," Spencer says.

Sensing devices may be considered one of the means to identify traffic status through the customs plaza.

"The idea would be to identify what the best set of investments would be for the land border crossings."

Stakeholder consultations are being conducted throughout border crossing areas with officials meeting with Sault Ste. Marie's city council and mill operators, Thunder Bay officials and officials from Windsor and Kingston.

The first wave of visits are complete.

According to Jonathan Sabeas, policy analyst at the ITS office with Transport Canada, the visits were intended to feel out the technological needs of each crossing. Another wave of consultations is expected to happen later in the year. The chambers of commerce will be kept apprised as to when government officials will be revisiting the areas.

Some early bird projects, however, will be identified and contracted out in the next few months.

www.tc.gc.ca

By KELLY LOUISEIZE

Northern Ontario Business