Abstract Manager

MTO is creating a 40km ‘Innovation Corridor’ on the QEW between Toronto and Burlington. The vision is to create a freeway-based CV and Smart Mobility test corridor that facilitates collaborative innovation and strategic partnerships, supports the safe evaluation of advanced technologies that improve mobility, strengthens sustainability, and drives economic development.

The two primary focus areas for innovation are:

1. 1. Work Zone Safety: Undertake test/pilot to evaluate and showcase innovative application of technologies to better manage and improve safety in work zones.  This may include, but are not limited to, elements of real-time tracking of lane closures, detecting activities in work zone area, and providing enhanced information to motorists and potentially workers in the zone.
   2. Queue Warning: Undertake test/pilot to evaluate and showcase innovative application of technologies, beyond traditional MTO QWS experiences, for the purpose of providing queue end warnings.  This may include, but are not limited to, elements of alternative queue detection technologies, predictive algorithms, edge computing, and alternatives for motorist advisories.

The QEW Innovation Corridor is a ‘living lab’, meaning safety and operations considerations are paramount in this live traffic, critical commuter route environment.

Through supporting real-world technology testing, this project will support the growth of CV and smart mobility industries in Ontario, as well as strategically coordinating public and private sector innovation and academic research through sharing ideas and data.

WSP has completed a Jurisdictional Scan, an Industry Review and developed the framework elements required to establish and operate the QEW Innovation Corridor. Work underway includes developing an inventory of COMPASS equipment along the QEW, a Data Governance whitepaper, a Security Credential Management System (SCMS) whitepaper and a high-level Concept of Operations.

This project epitomizes the benefits of bold, future-ready thinking from public agencies that is necessary if we are to head into a sustainable, efficient, and safe transportation future.