International Bridge to install traffic webcams

The International Bridge is preparing to add webcams at both Canadian and U.S. sides of the structure to allow travellers to see traffic conditions in real time.

The elevated cameras will be installed as part of a much larger security upgrade expected to be undertaken over the next year, General Manager Phil Becker told a meeting of the Joint International Bridge Authority today.

The webcams will operate separately from the new high-resolution security cameras.

Traffic images should be accessible on a public website by this time next year, Becker said.

Both Canadian and U.S. Customs currently post estimated wait times on the Internet, but SooToday.com readers have complained that the estimates are often jarringly different than actual delays they've experienced crossing the border.

International Bridge staff monitor reported wait times and Becker confirmed to SooToday.com that discrepancies exist.

The security upgrade will be at least as extrensive as a recent multi-million dollar upgrade at the Mackinac Bridge.

It's expected to include alarms, high-resultion cameras, motion detectors and possibly infrared cameras underneath and on top of the structure.

The bidding process on the security upgrade will be conducted under unusual secrecy, with contractors not allowed to remove technical specifications from the International Bridge offices.

The bridge authority will seek expressions of interest from contractors by September 17.

Final proposals will be considered in a closed meeting in November.