Winnipeg drivers have a new way to plan around train delays, with the City of Winnipeg launching a rail crossing information system at three high-traffic locations.
Roadside TRAINFO flashing beacons and digital message boards will alert drivers when trains are approaching, giving motorists an opportunity to reroute before reaching a crossing.
The system is designed to provide advance information about rail activity at crossings on Pandora Avenue, Marion Avenue, and McGillivray Boulevard.
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On Pandora Avenue, flashing beacons at Day Street, Redonda Street, and Ravenhurst Street will provide information about train activity at the Ravenhurst crossing north of Dugald Road.
The crossing sees approximately 21 trains per day.
On Marion Avenue, flashing beacons are located east and west of the multiple rail crossings between Archibald Street and Lagimodiere Boulevard. The corridor sees approximately 15 trains per day.
A third set of beacons at McGillivray Boulevard and Waverley Street will provide information about trains crossing McGillivray at Pembina Highway. That crossing sees approximately four trains per day.
Digital message signs on Sterling Lyon Boulevard and Kenaston Boulevard will also provide information about activity at the McGillivray and Pembina Highway crossing.
Information also available to first responders
The system is intended to help drivers make decisions before they reach a crossing.
“This is just one piece of our larger commitment to improving traffic flow and helping Winnipeggers get where they’re going more efficiently,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works.
Lukes said predictive information can help drivers choose alternate routes and improve safety on Winnipeg roads.
The system will also provide information to emergency responders. Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews responding from Stations 2, 3, and 9 will be able to view rail crossing information on dashboards installed in the stations.
Rail activity information will also be sent to the city’s Traffic Management Centre.
Funding comes from federal grant, development project
The system was funded through a Transport Canada grant and the Marion Street Water Tower District development project.
As part of the development project, the developer was required to help facilitate the movement of first responders through the area, which has several rail crossings.