We use many kinds of data collection and monitoring systems throughout the territory. Together, they’re called intelligent transportation systems (ITS). ITS describes the use of technology in transportation applications. These include:
- computers;
- sensors;
- control systems;
- communications; and
- other electronic devices.
This technology often help to save lives, time, money, energy and the environment.
Road weather information systems (RWIS)
These systems collect real-time weather data across the highway network,
including:
- air and road surface temperatures;
- wind speeds; and
- humidity.
Some stations also have frost-depth and water-level detection systems.
Stations are also outfitted with cameras. These cameras provide real-time images you can see here on the 511 Yukon website.
We use the data from this system to inform drivers and road maintenance personnel of:
- changing weather; and
- road conditions.
There are currently 24 RWIS stations in service in the Yukon.
Frost-depth monitoring systems
These systems measure sub-surface temperatures. This data informs decisions about seasonal weight restrictions on the Yukon’s highways.
Water-level detection systems
These systems measure and detect water levels under bridges, and:
- provide early warning for potential safety hazards, such as flooding; and
- alert highway maintenance staff.
Traveller information systems
These systems provide real-time information to travellers. Systems such as RWIS collect this information and share it through:
- 511 Yukon; and
- a network of digital message signs (DMS) located along the highways.
Right now, the territory has in operation:
- 20 fixed DMS, including 4 cantilevered DMS on the Alaska Highway near Whitehorse; and
- 33 trailer DMS.
Traffic monitoring systems
These systems collect traffic data across the highway network. This includes vehicle counts, speeds and classification – like whether the vehicle is a passenger car or heavy truck.
To gather traffic information across the Yukon’s 4,800 kilometres of highway, we use a combination of:
- permanent counting systems; and
- temporary counting systems.
The data collected helps to inform:
- traffic-operation decisions; and
- maintenance and improvement planning.