Long-haul truckers on the Trans-Canada Highway will get some advance warning when they are approaching some prime moose-crossing territory north of Sault Ste. Marie.
The Ministry of Transportation has invested in a high-tech detection system on a notorious stretch of highway known for its moose-vehicle collisions.
Rotalec Inc. of St. Laurent, Que. installed a system of infrared energy beams this month at the bottom of Mile Hill on Highway 17. When an animal approaches highway lanes and shoulders, sensors are activated and a flashing beacon is activated to warn drivers.
It's the first system of its kind in Ontario and will be assessed to determine the value of installing similar systems in other parts of the province.
Preliminary results from a similar system installed in Minnesota indicated a 50 to 60 per cent reduction in vehicle collisions with wildlife.
The $299,691 project was paid for out of the province's Northern Highways Program.
Rotalec, Inc. is a technology distributor of industrial machine automation products.
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