Flood detection system installed at Albert Street and Saskatchewan Drive underpass

The City of Regina is trying to keep vehicles from floating around like rubber ducks on Albert Street this season.

The city and SGI have teamed up to implement the new Albert Street Underpass Flood Detection Sensor System.

The system, which is currently operating at the Albert Street and Saskatchewan Drive underpass, will flash a “do not enter” sign and turn traffic lights red when flooding reaches a high risk level.

Kurtis Doney, the deputy city manager for city operations, said he believes the system will keep drivers safe.

READ MORE:

• Shared e-scooters return to Regina for 2024
• Regina city council pushes back Vision Zero decision until May
• ‘Normal course of business’: Hudson’s Bay to close Regina location

“The sensor system is a really innovative way that we can very quickly reduce the risk for drivers during flood situations or major storms,” said Doney.

The system will also alert city staff when flooding reaches high levels.

Doney said there are other plans to upgrade the city’s underground pipes and storm drains in order to reduce flooding, but there aren’t any timelines on when construction may start.

“This is one option where we have something that could be introduced very quickly for this flooding season,” Doney said.

The sensor system has been installed on traffic lights at the intersections of Saskatchewan Drive and Albert Street, Ninth Avenue and Albert Street, and North Railway Street and Albert Street.

The sensor system cost a total of $185,000. The city paid $125,000, while SGI paid $60,000.