Federal government funds NWT Road Weather Information System

No. H 050/09
For release – April 1, 2009

OTTAWA — The Government of Canada today announced that road users in the Northwest Territories will benefit from improved road weather information systems.Through a $60,000 contribution agreement with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Transport Canada’s Intelligent Transportation Systems initiative will fund a road weather information system station. The installation of sophisticated weather sensing devices, both in pavement and connected to roadside towers, will allow territorial road crews to determine when freeze conditions occur on highways. This, in turn, allows for more effective use of highway maintenance resources while improving road safety. The system further results in a reduction of the amount of road salt used on territorial highways, thus benefitting the environment.

“Our Government is proud to invest in projects which support road safety in the Northwest Territories,” said Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “This investment will protect travellers on the road while improving the quality of life for Canadians.”

Intelligent Transportation Systems assist in better integrating the country’s transportation system. They include applications such as advanced systems for traveller information, traffic management, public transport, commercial vehicle operations, emergency response management and vehicle safety.

– 30 –

Contact:

Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Transport Minister
John Baird, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055