Real-time traffic management centre opens in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG — A room full of monitors with real-time traffic cameras and maps is now live for Winnipeg drivers to access.

The city has unveiled its new $3.6 million Transportation Management Centre, connected to an app called Waze.

72 cameras have been installed across the city, monitoring 650 intersections. Once a driver sees a problem, they can report it through Waze, and officials can send help immediately.

“What we’re doing here is pretty crazy and has a huge benefit to people and city services,” Engineer Jonathan Foord said.

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The new system will save drivers from getting tied up in traffic, said Foord.

“We’re saving 30 to 40 minutes from the time somebody calls 311.”

RELATED: City of Winnipeg budget: Tax increases, rapid transit and traffic jam alerts

The centre has an operating budget of $500,000 annually, which will be staffed by one to two people throughout weekdays.

Engineers and staff will have access to the information at all times, in case something happens during the weekend or at non-peak hours.

“That’s one of the benefits of using this technology, it can be accessed 24/7,” Mayor Brian Bowman said.

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Right now police and M.P.I. don’t have access to the video. Officials say, for the time being, the information will be used for traffic management purposes only.

Bowman said police would have to comply with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act before using the video.

“Before police have access to, that due diligence needs to happen. It’s something we’re sensitive to, and we’ve been asking questions to ensure privacy is being adequately protected.”

For more information about the Waze app, you can head to the website.