High Visibility Automated Gates

Automated warning signage

Nun’s Island, QC

Location

Montreal, QC, Canada

Installation

Temporary

Type

Bus Lane Access Control

About this project

In 2013, a new temporary bypass bridge was built between Montreal and Nun’s Island. This new bridge made it possible to isolate the current bridge and allow its replacement as part of Infrastructure Canada’s project of a new bridge for the St. Lawrence River. The bypass bridge includes a reversible dedicated bus lane. As part of this project, traffic design engineers from WSP and the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridge Authority turned to Versilis to help design, manufacture and install a solution to control the bus lanes accesses.

Challenge

  • Looking for a robust access control solution for the 10 years lifespan of the temporary bridge
  • Looking for a low-cost solution that does not require new communication infrastructure
  • The solution must be safe and highly visible in all weather conditions
  • The system needs to allow operation by different user groups (snow removal, bus services)

Solution

As part of the design process, WSP design engineers met with Versilis to develop a safe bus lane access control solution. At each access, the chosen sequence of operation involves the activation of a flashing beacon for 10 seconds prior to the gate activation. Also, whenever the gate is not in its fully retracted position, a red advance warning light is triggered to indicate to any upcoming bus that the gate is either deployed or in movement. When the gate is fully retracted, this advance warning light is green. This customized integrated solution was designed and manufactured by Versilis. The operation and monitoring is entirely handled using a handheld remote control. The solar-powered solution required no wiring which resulted in a quick installation.

Benefits

  • Efficient automated bus lane control
  • Fully integrated solution with flashing beacons and warning lights
  • Increased safety for buses
  • Quick install and low-cost solution

Project photo gallery