Budget 2015: City to take innovative leap forward in traffic management

Released: March 4, 2015 at 9:05 a.m.
New command centre will smooth traffic flows, respond in real-time to traffic snarls

Winnipeg, MB - Drawing on the latest technological advances, Winnipeg drivers will soon benefit from smoother flowing traffic and the use of smartphones and social media to receive real-time traffic information alerts.

If approved by City Council, the establishment of a first ever Transportation Management Centre (TMC) will help manage traffic flows and improve the movement of people, goods, and services throughout Winnipeg.

“Unlike most major cities in North America that have freeways, Winnipeg depends primarily on a network of arterial roadways and nearly 650 signalized intersections,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “With a road network that continues to grow with the population, innovative solutions are essential in creating a more modern city.”

After years of replacing outdated traffic signal equipment, Winnipeg's first ever Transportation Management Centre system will:

  • Expand on the current signal control system by employing advanced technologies to allow TMC operators to monitor and adjust traffic signal timings
  • Allow TMC operators to respond in real-time to problems that include helping to expedite responses to unexpected situations like collisions, stalled vehicles, barricades, special events, and weather/visibility
  • Coordinate with agencies such as the Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Transit and Winnipeg Fire-Paramedic Service to re-route buses or adjust traffic signals

To be operational by the end of 2016, the new TMC will be funded by $3.5 million annually from the Operating Budget once fully implemented, and $3 million over 2015-2016, from the Capital Budget. These investments are expected to pay dividends for many years.

“Under the current system, the City becomes aware of traffic problems as a result of calls made to 311,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “The TMC will be a game-changer because City staff will be able to monitor and respond to problems even before the public is aware that an issue exists.”

The 2015 Budget builds on the City's long-term plan to grow a modern, thriving city with quality of life improvements for all Winnipeggers that include renewal of our infrastructure and a focus on creating a safe and vibrant community we are all proud to call home.

For more information on the 2015 Budget, please visit Winnipeg.ca/2015Budget

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