Upgraded traffic system to be up and running in 2016

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This article was published 03/03/2015 (3334 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The technical wizardry that will solve Winnipeg’s traffic woes should be in operation by the end of 2016.

Brian Bowman said the highly-touted traffic management centre in Tuesday’s budget will prevent traffic congestion and improve commute times.

“This is actually a really good-news part of the budget,” Bowman said. “It really does modernize the way we receive information and manage traffic flows.”

The budget sets aside $3 million over this year and next to establish the traffic management centre and then provides $3.5-million annually to operate the facility.

The centre will enhance coordination of traffic signals and allow operators to manipulate signals in response to real-time conditions, like collisions and street repairs.

“There’s environmental benefits to try and reduce idling time at intersections,” Bowman said. “Given that we don’t have a robust freeway system like other large centres have, this is a very cost-effective way to move goods and people a little bit more efficiently.

“This is something Winnipeggers will appreciate once it’s operational.”

 

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca