Toronto (Highway 401) COMPASS System
The Highway
401 COMPASS System within Toronto went into operation in early 1991. The
initial section covered 16 kilometres through the centre of Toronto between
Martin Grove Road and Yonge Street. Highway 401 is the "main street" for many
Toronto commuters, and has a unique express/collector configuration and a
cross-section with a minimum of 12 lanes. Some sections carry in excess of
350,000 vehicles on an average day.
Over the years, the COMPASS System has been continuously evaluated, enhanced and expanded. The current system stretches from the Highway 403/Eglinton interchange to Highway 401/410 interchange and easterly to Harwood Avenue for a distance of approximately 59 km. As of December 2002, the Hwy 401 system is made up of 94 colour CCTV cameras, 33 LED type changeable message signs, 630 vehicle detection stations and over 3100 vehicle detectors to help manage traffic on Highway 401.
Traffic Management Strategies
The Highway 401 COMPASS System employs four traffic management strategies that complement each other:
Effective traffic management on busy urban freeways such as Highway 401 begins with timely detection and confirmation of traffic incidents or slowdowns. Incident management procedures that provide coordinated on-site activities by emergency response personnel can preserve and protect human life, maintain a reasonable level of safety for all participants, minimize delay to the travelling public and minimize damage to public/private property. Timely and accurate traffic condition information must be supplied to motorists to allow them to choose an alternate route and lessen their chances of collision with stopped vehicles ahead. COMPASS combines all of the above strategies, and has produced significant benefits.
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