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- About 80 percent of Ontario’s area is underlain by old Precambrian Shield rock, which occurs in northern and southern Ontario.
News Release
Wildlife Detection System Installed Near Sault Ste. Marie
November 06, 2009
McGuinty Government Improving Safety On Highway 17
NEWS
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 been 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.
QUOTES
“We anticipate that this unique system will significantly improve safety for the many people who drive this scenic stretch of Highway 17.”
— Mike Brown, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin
“This is another project undertaken by our government to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation infrastructure throughout Northern Ontario.”
— Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
"This innovative technology that we have installed on Highway 17 is designed to make the road safer for motorists -- and wildlife."
— Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation.
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.
- 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.
Tom Marcolini, Transportation & Infrastructure, 705-945-5836
ontario.ca/north-news
194, NHP
