|
|
|
|
October 20, 2006
Winter cameras provide up-to-date road conditions for motorists
Edmonton... Motorists planning to travel on Alberta's highways this winter can see website images of current road conditions at more locations around the province, thanks to the expanded system of camera-equipped road weather information stations.
The Alberta government will invest approximately $3.6 million for the installation of 36 new stations by the end of 2006. Sixteen new stations have been installed so far - bringing to 43 the total number of locations along Alberta's highway network that can be viewed at
The road images and weather information are provided to enhance driving safety for travellers. The information will assist highway maintenance contractors in receiving the most up-to-date road and weather conditions to respond quickly to changing road conditions. As well, the road images are sent to AMA so they can be displayed for all travellers on the Road Reports website. The cameras are not for enforcement and they will not be used for that purpose.
Each road weather information station has a sensor embedded into the pavement and a short tower beside the roadway. The pavement sensor resembles a large hockey puck and measures pavement temperature and the presence of moisture. The tower also houses equipment to measure air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure.
All data from the road weather information stations are transmitted wirelessly to a central database for analysis. The information is then made available to highway maintenance contractors and government staff for winter highway operations. The information is also available to other public sector organizations as requested, such as cities and municipalities. Private sector organizations can also access the information through a subscription with Telvent Canada Ltd., the road weather information service provider and the prime contractor for Alberta's road weather information network.
- 30 -
Backgrounder attached: Map of road weather information station locations
Media enquiries may be directed to:
|
Heather McLachlan |
Kent Dixon |
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
October 20, 2006
Road weather information stations in Alberta
Media enquiries may be directed to:
|
Heather McLachlan |
Kent Dixon |
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Copyright(c); 2006 Government of Alberta