Road conditions in winter or even late spring, especially in shady spots on Chilliwack hills, can be icy.

Flashing blue-light markers were being installed at 10 locations Thursday as a pilot project to test the technology for Chilliwack.

The blue reflectors are solar-powered and can be seen from about a kilometre away, said Gerry Hlookoff of ATS Traffic.

B次元官网网址淭his product, the PATeye, has been used all through North America, Europe and New Zealand, and it was actually invented in New Zealand,B次元官网网址� Hlookoff said.

B次元官网网址淲e are doing a test pilot with the City of Chilliwack where we are installing 10 units to help them detect corridors that have problems with freezing and black ice.B次元官网网址�

The road markers were being installed Thursday, embedded into the centrelines at several locations.

B次元官网网址淩oad conditions can differ greatly from one area to another on any given day. In order to help drivers stay aware of changing road conditions, the City of Chilliwack is testing a new road safety device that will notify drivers of the potential for icy road conditions,B次元官网网址� according to city officials.

Road test sites in Chilliwack:

B次元官网网址� Chilliwack Mountain Road

B次元官网网址� Hope River Road

B次元官网网址� Old Orchard Road

B次元官网网址� Marble Hill Road

B次元官网网址� Teskey Way

B次元官网网址� Promontory Road

B次元官网网址� Vedder Mountain Road

The roads were chosen for testing because they are known by city staff for their potential for icy road conditions.

B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e embedded in the asphalt flush so if you do have snow plows the blade goes right over top,B次元官网网址� Hlookoff said. B次元官网网址淭his is the first generation that detects ice and moisture.B次元官网网址�

In some spots, the blue reflectors will be in full view of the cityB次元官网网址檚 traffic cameras, which will assist the Operations Department when implementing snow removal and ice control procedures. For example, if blue lights are flashing in one area, crews may want to make that location a priority for re-salting.

Although spring is around the corner, some roads may still see some frost due to shade. This will enable staff and drivers to experience the device in action prior to next fall/winter. City staff will be looking at its durability, and ability to withstand wet weather.

Each site will include signage to educate drivers about the blue flashing lights. City officials will also seek community feedback over the coming months to help gauge the PATeyeB次元官网网址檚 effectiveness.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

jfeinberg@theprogress.com
Like us on and follow us on .