News Release

April 20, 2004

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND ONTARIO LAUNCH NEW PROJECT TO MAKE BORDER CROSSINGS MORE EFFICIENT

WINDSOR, Ontario - To improve traffic flow at all international border crossings between Ontario and the United States, the Governments of Canada and Ontario will jointly issue a Request for Proposals to develop and implement strategies for new technologies.

Stemming from the Let’s Get Windsor-Essex Moving strategy, announced on March 11, 2004, this initiative involves high tech or, “Intelligent transportation systems” (ITS) solutions, along transportation corridors leading to border crossings to improve traffic flow.

“The most significant thing we can do for the community and the economy is to keep traffic moving,” said Chatham-Kent-Essex MP Jerry Pickard. “The implementation of intelligent transportation systems along transportation corridors leading to the border crossings will help us significantly improve the efficiency of our transportation network, and represents an important part of our new, collaborative, multi-year strategy.”

“Improved traffic flow at borders is good news for Ontario’s businesses trying to stay competitive and for travellers wanting to spend less time on the road,” said Ontario Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar. “By using the latest technology and making it part of the transportation infrastructure at our borders, we are not only improving the Windsor-Essex border crossing, but will be able to apply these new technologies at all our border crossings.”

“The installation of technological improvements is a positive step forward in alleviating the congestion at Windsor’s busiest border crossing,” said Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis. “The City will continue to work with the Federal and Provincial Governments to find solutions that will enable more efficient and effective movement of truck traffic across the border, reaffirming our competitiveness in the North American economy.”

ITS can include various detectors embedded in the pavement, cameras, electronic changeable message signs and other computerized systems. These systems monitor traffic, road conditions, weather and commercial fleets and aid in coordinating emergency services, as well as maintenance activities. With their use, travellers can be better informed of real time traffic conditions allowing them to make better decisions about travel routes.

This study will begin immediately upon completion of the RFP process. A consultant team will develop a multi-year plan for developing and implementing new technologies at Ontario’s border crossings, including projects that can be pursued in 2004. It is expected that the project duration will be approximately 18 months.

The Let’s Get Windsor-Essex Moving Strategy is a multi-year plan to improve road safety, speed up the flow of cross-border traffic, protect and strengthen local jobs and growth, and beautify transportation corridors.

The Governments of Canada and Ontario are keen to ease traffic congestion at border communities thereby creating stronger and healthier communities that provide a quality of life that is second to none.

Contacts:

Danna O’Brien
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
(416) 327-1815

Infrastructure Canada
Communications
(613) 948-1148

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