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Saturday, November 7th, 2009 - 15:21:45

 

A newly installed detection system could significantly reduce the threat of vehicle collisions with large animals on a stretch of Highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie.

Supported through the Northern Highways Program, the system has bee n installed at the bottom of Mile Hill, which is situated near prime moose habitat. The system continuously monitors the highway travel lanes and shoulders using infrared energy beams. When the sensors are activated by an animal, a flashing beacon automatically warns approaching drivers.

This technology was installed in November and is the first of its kind in Ontario. It will be assessed to determine the value of installing similar systems in other parts of the province.

Preliminary results from a similar system installed in Minnesota indicate a 50 to 60 per cent reduction in vehicle collisions with wildlife.

QUICK FACTS
Rotalec Inc., a Canadian high technology distributor of industrial machine automation products, recently completed the $299,691 project.
The 2009 Ontario Budget committed $648 million in northern highway rehabilitation and expansion in 2009-2010.
Investments in Northern Ontario's highway infrastructure in 2009-10 will create an estimated 4,700 jobs.

LEARN MORE
Read the Ontario government's five-year investment plan for highway construction in Northern Ontario.
Get up-to-date road condition information on major highways in the area. You can also call the ministry's toll-free road information line at 1-800-268-4686.

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