Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Windsor is turning to smart technology in a bid to ease traffic congestion and improve safety around construction zones.
The city’s Transportation Department has begun using real-time traffic-flow monitoring at signalized intersections, adjusting traffic lights dynamically to reflect current conditions rather than relying on pre-set timing schedules.
The initiative is being rolled out as major roadwork continues across Windsor, including on Howard Avenue at Division Road. Officials say the move aims to provide smoother commutes for drivers navigating construction sites and detour routes.
“Construction is essential for long-term improvements in order to keep our infrastructure in good condition, during which time we strive to minimize traffic impacts,” said David Simpson, the city’s commissioner of infrastructure services. “By using live data from sensors and traffic cameras, we can dynamically adjust light timing to better manage vehicle movement.”
Traffic system technologists monitor intersections in real time, adjusting light cycles to respond to congestion caused by lane reductions or unexpected delays.
As part of the improvements near Howard Avenue, an extra southbound lane has been opened in front of Devonshire Mall to ease access to the parking lot and reduce bottlenecks. Meanwhile, primary detour routes, including Dougall Avenue, have been reconfigured to accommodate fluctuating traffic volumes.
