How we monitor the Yukon’s highway network
We use many kinds of data collection and monitoring systems throughout the territory. Together, they’re called intelligent transportation systems (ITS). ITS describes the use of technology in transportation applications. These include:
- computers;
- sensors;
- control systems;
- communications; and
- other electronic devices.
This technology often help to save lives, time, money, energy and the environment.
Road weather information systems (RWIS)
These systems collect real-time weather data across the highway network,
including:
- air and road surface temperatures;
- wind speeds; and
- humidity.
Some stations also have frost-depth and water-level detection systems.
Stations are also outfitted with cameras. These cameras provide real-time images you can see on the 511 Yukon website.
We use the data from this system to inform drivers and road maintenance personnel of:
- changing weather; and
- road conditions.
There are currently 24 RWIS stations in service in the Yukon.
Frost-depth monitoring systems
These systems measure sub-surface temperatures. This data informs decisions about seasonal weight restrictions on the Yukon’s highways.
Water-level detection systems
These systems measure and detect water levels under bridges, and:
- provide early warning for potential safety hazards, such as flooding; and
- alert highway maintenance staff.
Traveller information systems
These systems provide real-time information to travellers. Systems such as RWIS collect this information and share it through:
- 511 Yukon; and
- a network of digital message signs (DMS) located along the highways.
Right now, the territory has in operation:
- 20 fixed DMS, including 4 cantilevered DMS on the Alaska Highway near Whitehorse; and
- 33 trailer DMS.
Traffic monitoring systems
These systems collect traffic data across the highway network. This includes vehicle counts, speeds and classification – like whether the vehicle is a passenger car or heavy truck.
To gather traffic information across the Yukon’s 4,800 kilometres of highway, we use a combination of:
- permanent counting systems; and
- temporary counting systems.
The data collected helps to inform:
- traffic-operation decisions; and
- maintenance and improvement planning.