Improving safety, mobility and efficiency

The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Strategic Plan targets the use of technology and innovation to improve road network safety, mobility and efficiency. It provides a strategic approach to how the City may integrate ITS applications into the transportation network. 

The ITS Implementation Strategy (2019 to 2024) outlines outcomes to ease congestion through improved traffic management, provide real-time information to users, minimize environmental impacts and increase the efficient and effective movement of people and goods in St. Albert. 

ITS plans and strategies were developed with direction from City policies and plans, industry best practices, road network needs and priorities and a road network operational evaluation. 

Implementation 

The City installed technology along the two key corridors of St. Albert Trail and Boudreau Road to help improve traffic flow and has been monitoring corridor and intersection operations to ensure effectiveness since 2018. 

A focus of the 2018 implementation work was on setting the foundation and integrating a shift in traffic signal operations toward adaptive signal controls. The adaptive signal operations apply real-time information to respond intelligently and continuously as traffic flow fluctuates throughout the day. This was a substantial change from previous operations, which used “time of day” plans based on anticipated rather than real-time conditions.   

Completed applications

• Travel Time Devices: This ITS application uses Bluetooth technology to capture travel time from one point to another. Information is used to measure operations of the road network and may also be shared with users to assist in pre-trip planning. 
• Advance Vehicle Detection: This technology detects vehicles prior to arriving at intersections and allows intersections to identify and manage oncoming demand, supporting adaptive signal control. 
• Application of Signal Performance Measures: Expansion of the central monitoring system to connect to intersections, allowing for remote monitoring, system checks and alarms, and live detection feeds. New performance measures and reporting capabilities are used for system checks and annual reports. This performance software supports adaptive signal control, with St. Albert being the first municipality in Canada to use this technology.

Resources 

ITS Strategic Plan (7 MB)

ITS Implementation Strategy (2019-2024, 2 MB)