The pilot project that will lead to an Intelligent Transportation System for the City of Saskatoon has begun.
There are sensors at 5 rail crossings which lets emergency responders know when there is a train which would hinder their response time as they wait at the crossing.
Assistant Fire chief, Wayne Rodger, says it means instead of arriving at the crossing and then having to contact the base to have another crew sent out to respond from the other side of the tracks, with this digital map, they know ahead of time and can respond accordingly.
He expects 2 more crossings will have sensors added later this year.

Engineering Manager in Transportation, David LeBoutillier, says they are currently evaluating the effectiveness of the system.
The overall vision is for an Intelligent Transportation System is to give drivers, cyclists, walkers and bus riders the ability to find the most efficient routes through an app and a website.
He estimates there are about 53 grade crossings in Saskatoon, although that number could have shifted because of a few removals or changes to spur lines.

Current crossings included in the system:
22nd Street West near Avenue F
33rd Street West near Edmonton Avenue
11th Street West near Dundonald Avenue
Idylwyld Drive near 25th Street
Wanuskewin Road near 71st Street