Road conditions in the Bow Valley are a hot topic when the worst of the weather spectrum is experienced, but a couple of new tools unveiled by the provincial government last week should make them safer.
Two new platforms were launched by 511 Alberta on Wednesday (Feb. 3) that are designed to help Albertans across the province navigate roads and highways year-round.
One platform is a mobile app that allows citizen reporting of road conditions to the 511 Alberta website, which shows live conditions of provincial highways.
The Citizen Reporter app works on Android and iPhones, but those tasked with using it must take an online training course first.
“We all play a part in keeping Alberta’s winter roads safe,” said Minister of Transportation Brian Mason. “By allowing citizens to report on our province’s ever-changing road conditions we can help drivers make safe and better informed travel decisions that keep Albertans moving all year long.”
The Citizen Reporter app may also assist provincial RCMP forces with informing the public about dangerous road conditions, according to Ian Lawson, superintendent for K Division traffic services.
“We are excited about this advancement in the 511 system, and the RCMP is looking to see how it can make use of the new app to better inform the public as an extension of our traffic safety messaging to all Albertans,” Lawson said.
live GPS locations of snowplows on provincial highways as part of the improvement. There are more than 600 snowplows operated by Alberta Transportation contractors to maintain highways through winter. Officials recommend using both enhancements; however, prior to leaving or after arriving at your destination – not while on the road.
511 Alberta also features 138 traffic cameras on the highway network that can be viewed live – including in the Bow Valley and mountain national parks. In 2015, the service added a wind warning system and an average of 1.2 million unique visitors go to the website www.511alberta.ca every year. You can also follow 511 Alberta on twitter @511Alberta, or use the phone service.
