Providing efficiencies at the Windsor-Detroit gateway is an important part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is one way that efficiencies will be achieved.
ITS includes advanced technologies that use electronics, computers, communication and sensing devices that will support the needs for traffic operation and management for the bridge, the two ports of entry and the connection to I-75.
A comprehensive ITS design allows the project’s traffic management systems to fit seamlessly with the approach roads in Ontario and Michigan.
Examples of ITS on the project include:
- Advanced Traffic Management Systems
- Traffic Surveillance Systems
- Vehicle Detection and Classification Systems
- Travel Time Detection Systems
- Lane Control Systems
- Dynamic Message Sign Systems
- Connected Vehicle Systems
- Road Weather Information System (RWIS)
The project’s Traffic Management Center is located at the Canadian Port of Entry and includes a traffic surveillance system to monitor traffic conditions by collecting data like speed and volumes for different vehicle classifications and also providing alerts when incidents occur. The data collected can also be used to forecast future traffic impacts as well as crossing usage statistics.
Vehicle detectors at toll lanes and primary inspection lanes provide queue length information to assist lane operations. To help calculate accurate travel and wait times, Bluetooth detections collect individual vehicle entry and exit time stamps when it passes a specific location.
Road Weather Information Systems monitor pavement and weather conditions close to the road surface to help predict when the road surface may become slippery. Road maintenance staff use this information to help determine when de-icing materials should be applied to prevent slippery conditions. The RWIS stations are located on both ports of entry and the bridge and are integrated with the traffic management system to allow automatic information dissemination.
