Winnipeg's new traffic management system to speed up emergency response

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman is is working on a way to get emergency services where they need to go more quickly.

This weekend, Bowman visited the 9-1-1 Communication Centre to look at ways to integrate his new Traffic Management Centre (TMC) with 9-1-1.

Under the new system, a control centre can manually control all 650 traffic lights in the city.

Bowman said it can not only help make the commute easier, but it can help speed emergency vehicles to where they need to go.

"So you'd get red lights for all the intersecting streets for instance and green lights in the direction the ambulance needs to go. That should be better for not only just the convenience of riders in terms of light synchronization but when we need it most," Bowman said.

The TMC was announced in this year's budget.

"Unlike most major cities in North America that have freeways, Winnipeg depends primarily on a network of arterial roadways and nearly 650 signalized intersections," said Mayor Brian Bowman when the budget was released. "With a road network that continues to grow with the population, innovative solutions are essential in creating a more modern city."

The TMC will cost $3.5 million dollars in this year's Operating Budget, and $3 million from the 2015-2016 Capital Budget.

It's expected to be operational by next year.