New train detection system on track to alert motorists, first responders about railway traffic

Winnipeg may soon see a new train detection system that lets motorists know when to use alternate routes and avoid railway crossings.

On Jan. 9, the city’s Standing Policy Committee on Public Works is expected to discuss and approve a grant from Transport Canada that would see the implementation of new technology from a Winnipeg-based company known as Trainfo.

“There are delays at crossings,” said Trainfo co-founder Neil Ternowetsky. “It is a point of congestion, it is a point of public frustration, it is a point of public safety, in terms of responding delays and things like that.

“Addressing that in the short term is valuable and provides a need for the community.”

Trainfo is on track to help detect train travel and traffic, using smart sensors already embedded in parts of Winnipeg’s railway system.

“We did studies in the past where we were able to show benefits on reducing vehicle delay at the Shaftesbury (Boulevard) crossing by over 28 per cent back in 2020,” Ternowetsky said.

The new project would see signals and signage at several busy railway crossings throughout the city. Motorists would get an advance notice before trains pass through, giving them more time to find alternate routes. However, the technology would mainly be used to help first responders.

“We can then have our fire, ambulance, paramedics folks use it. We can have police use it,” said Public Works Committee Chair Janice Lukes. “Primarily, it’s for emergency vehicles.”

The city’s Traffic Management Centre would also have access to the data and could alert drivers of potential train traffic through social media.

“If there are other kinds of problems with a train, then we’ll know where they are faster,” said Barry Prentice, the director of the University of Manitoba’s transport institute.

The new Trainfo agreement is expected to cost around $421,680 and will be covered by the grant from Transport Canada, as well as a local developer. If the project is approved, motorists could see the technology come into effect later this year and stick around until at least 2030.