SARNIA — One of Ontario’s busiest border crossings is getting $4 million in federal cash for cameras and electronic message signs.

The new intelligent transportation technology will be implemented on both the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia and Hwy. 402 leading to the US border crossing. The federal government and Ontario Liberals will pitch in $2 million each.

A 15 km stretch of Hwy 402 will soon have sensors in the pavement that will monitor vehicle speeds and, within
30 seconds, send traffic information to queue end warning signs and to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Control Centre. Motorists will know what’s ahead and have time to opt for other routes.

Also, closed circuit television cameras allow Ontario ministry staff to incidents and dispatch emergency services sooner. Road emergencies and related traffic congestion are resolved faster.

“When this system is fully operational, it will enhance safety on Highway 402 and the Bridge Plaza by displaying traffic information on electronic signs to help local motorists make informed decisions about alternate routes, and provide real time traffic information to motorists bound for the bridge,” said Dan Elash, Blue Water Bridge Authority president and CEO.

Earlier this year, the Ontario trucking Association sat down with government and safety officials to discuss several safety initiatives after a series of crashes, some involving trucks, on Hwy. 402 leading to the Bluewater Bridge.

Close to 1.8 million trucks a year use this border crossing, carrying with them $51 billion in goods.

“Border improvements such as these will help ensure the efficient movement of goods and people,” said Sarnia-Lambton MP Roger Gallaway.