WINDSOR, Ont. – Canada and Ontario have jointly selected a team to research and develop technological strategies to improve traffic and information flow at Ontario/U.S. crossings.

As part of the Let’s Get Windsor-Essex Moving strategy announced March 11, 2004, this initiative involves the use of new technologies or Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) along roadways leading to all border crossings to help manage traffic flow.

“The Governments of Canada and Ontario are committed to working together to make sure that solutions 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 cross at Ontario/U.S. borders every day,” said Ontario Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar.

“Almost $900 million dollars 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 of traffic conditions 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 Transport 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.

This 18-month project will cost approximately $1.3 million, to be equally shared by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. 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