Simulation!
BC’s Ministry of Transportation is piloting two new high-tech wildlife detection systems on Highway 3, to help warn motorists when wildlife is on or near the highway.
The systems were largely designed and manufactured in B.C., including the software which was developed in Victoria.
The two systems are located approximately 1 km east of Elko & approximately 2 km east of Sparwood.
It’s an effort to prevent collisions between vehicles & wildlife on our highways…
“About one in 25 crashes are caused by wildlife collisions often leading to fatal injuries of these animals and causing serious injuries to those in the vehicle as well as contributing to increased injury and collision claims,” Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone said. “Our government should always be looking at and implementing cutting-edge technology to keep costs low and make B.C. highways safer for both people and wildlife.”
Drivers along Highway 3 will see flashing warning signs when a large animal approaches the roadway, allowing the driver to slow down and avoid a collision.
The total… 9 km of wildlife detection systems installed @ a total project cost of $2.5 million… which is approximately $278,000 per kilometre.
B.C. already has a number of other measures in place to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions… including wildlife exclusion systems with more than 500 km of fencing, overpasses and underpasses, roadside mowing and clearing and static and flashing advisory signs.
