Light & Switch

Oct 1

A new approach to traffic management and road design

By: Momentum Transport Consultancy

Main Streets are vital to the wellbeing of Canadian communities. Our Main Streets are facing unprecedented challenges related to new consumer patterns and online shopping, travel needs, new technologies, the climate emergency, as well as the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Momentum proposes an innovative solution seeking to redesign streets so they become attractive and safe destinations for both residents and visitors, especially as more people have moved to active travel in city centres such as Montreal where cycling and walking have increased with temporary infrastructure. We propose the use of cameras or Bluetooth sensors (software) and LED lights (hardware) to create a flexible space ready to adapt to the various uses and users. On the one hand, the use of LED lights to reconfigure street use and change traffic conditions is an economical, sustainable and flexible way to try and implement projects, and on the other hand, the use of cameras or Bluetooth sensors associated with an artificial intelligence software will collect real-time data for authorities to support decision-making. This solution can be implemented by the local authority itself or in collaboration with Business Improvement Districts and local retailers.

We present a sustainable future-proof proposal that is transferable and will deliver flexibility and resiliency to our cities. This innovative approach to road design and traffic management will reclaim the street for pedestrians, improving health and safety conditions, increasing footfall and supporting social activities, which in turn will boost investment and bring life back to our local areas.

Details

Budget: The budget would be split into three components:

The estimated fee to develop the best solution responding to the specific context of a street and the concept plans for the solution would vary between $10,000 and $15,000.
The estimated fee for the cameras or Bluetooth sensors including the software and interactive dashboard for authorities and operators to access the data would sit between $20,000 and $30,000.
The estimated fee for the LED lights will depend on whether they are integrated within tiles located at the street surface or on the pavement or suspended on street furniture to project onto the street. The technology cost will vary based on the street segment chosen as well but it is estimated as a minimum of $20,000.

Materials and Fabrication: The design for both cameras/Bluetooth sensors and for the LED technology would use existing providers. Based on whether a specific location is to be determined or not with the local authority, the implementation process can follow the diagram. The key is to determine the specific challenges and objectives of a street to develop a bespoke solution that directly supports the activation of the street. Once the design is agreed, developed, and implemented, the technology will allow the design to adapt to respond to the various uses by day-to-day residents and visitors.

Installation and Other Services: The installation of the cameras or Bluetooth sensors, once validated, can be deployed in two weeks. The materials are discreet and can be installed on existing street furniture: they can be charged with access to a direct power socket or with solar panels. The interactive dashboard can be set up to analyze the data in order to obtain the relevant outputs, based on the indicators determined ahead of the project with the stakeholders, including BIDs, retailers, local authorities, etc. The installation of the LED technology can take different shapes, depending on the technology provider. An option can be to use connected tiles that can take a specific colour to identify a zone within the streetscape. An alternative is to use LED lights suspended or installed on existing street furniture and projecting onto the streetscape. Providers such as Colas with Flowell, Umbrellium and Starling Technologies provide a range of competitive options that can be assessed depending on the project specifics.