Road conditions in winter or even late spring, especially in shady spots on Chilliwack hills, can be icy.
Flashing blue-light markers were being installed at 10 locations Thursday as a pilot project to test the technology for Chilliwack.
The blue reflectors are solar-powered and can be seen from about a kilometre away, said Gerry Hlookoff of ATS Traffic.
sa国际传媒淭his product, the PATeye, has been used all through North America, Europe and New Zealand, and it was actually invented in New Zealand,sa国际传媒� Hlookoff said.
sa国际传媒淲e are doing a test pilot with the City of Chilliwack where we are installing 10 units to help them detect corridors that have problems with freezing and black ice.sa国际传媒�
The road markers were being installed Thursday, embedded into the centrelines at several locations.
sa国际传媒淩oad conditions can differ greatly from one area to another on any given day. In order to help drivers stay aware of changing road conditions, the City of Chilliwack is testing a new road safety device that will notify drivers of the potential for icy road conditions,sa国际传媒� according to city officials.
Road test sites in Chilliwack:
sa国际传媒� Chilliwack Mountain Road
sa国际传媒� Hope River Road
sa国际传媒� Old Orchard Road
sa国际传媒� Marble Hill Road
sa国际传媒� Teskey Way
sa国际传媒� Promontory Road
sa国际传媒� Vedder Mountain Road
The roads were chosen for testing because they are known by city staff for their potential for icy road conditions.
sa国际传媒淭heysa国际传媒檙e embedded in the asphalt flush so if you do have snow plows the blade goes right over top,sa国际传媒� Hlookoff said. sa国际传媒淭his is the first generation that detects ice and moisture.sa国际传媒�
In some spots, the blue reflectors will be in full view of the citysa国际传媒檚 traffic cameras, which will assist the Operations Department when implementing snow removal and ice control procedures. For example, if blue lights are flashing in one area, crews may want to make that location a priority for re-salting.
Although spring is around the corner, some roads may still see some frost due to shade. This will enable staff and drivers to experience the device in action prior to next fall/winter. City staff will be looking at its durability, and ability to withstand wet weather.
Each site will include signage to educate drivers about the blue flashing lights. City officials will also seek community feedback over the coming months to help gauge the PATeyesa国际传媒檚 effectiveness.
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