International Bridge or Tunnel Operations Agency

Description

This agency is responsible for operation of bridges or tunnels at the US-Canadian border crossings. Examples include the Ambassador Bridge, the Detroit Windsor Tunnel and Bluewater Bridge between Michigan and Ontario and the bridges of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority. This stakeholder could be a private operating company, a public sector agency, or a public-private partnership.

Associated Inventory

International Bridge or Tunnel Toll Collection Systems
International Bridge or Tunnel Toll Administration
International Bridge or Tunnel Control Centre
International Bridge or Tunnel Toll Transponder
International Bridge or Tunnel Traffic Management Equipment
International Bridge or Tunnel Security Equipment
International Bridge or Tunnel Traveller Information Services

Operational Concepts

AreaRole and Responsibility
Electronic PaymentProvide information to toll reconciliation systems to coordinate payments and exchange information with other toll operators.
Responsible for lifting toll payments during extreme events, such as natural disasters and mass evacuations.
Responsible for managing the electronic toll collection process and detecting and processing violations of motorist that go through a toll plaza without paying.
Emergency ManagementShare threat information with pubilic safety agencies on either side of the borders at the federal, state/provincial and local levels.
Responsible for performing surveillance and monitoring of the bridge or tunnel infrastructure using video surveillance, motion sensors, intrusion detectors, etc.
Incident ManagementResponsible for providing incident information detected by patrol vehicles or motorist call-ins to public safety agencies in border areas.
Responsible for addressing incidents, disasters, security threats, or any event that will cause a disruption to traffic flow on the bridge or tunnel.
Responsible for assisting in restoring traffic back to its pre-incident condition by working with public safety to provide resources as needed.
Responsible for collecting traffic related data that provide indications that there may be disruptions in the traffic stream.
Traffic ManagementProvide information on traffic including incidents to Canadian and US Border agencies.
Monitor traffic flow approaching bridges and tunnels.
Manage traffic at signalized intersections on the property of the bridge or tunnel operations agency.
Provide traffic information to the public using dynamic signs, advisory radio, etc. to drivers approaching and traversing a bridge or tunnel.
Provide information on traffic flow to nearby media outlets.
Coordinate traffic signal systems with adjacent municipal traffic management centres on either side of the bridge or tunnel.
Respond to requests to close the bridge or tunnel using gates or barriers.
Provide traffic information to the public using the traveller information services (e.g. agency website, Interactive Voice Recognition system).
Share information on traffic conditions with other centres on either side of the bridge or tunnel so traffic operations can be coordinated.
Traveller InformationProvide information concerning the conditions of the roadway including bridge or tunnel activity, traffic congestion, incidents, or weather conditions to area public safety agencies.
Collect and format data concerning road and travel conditions on bridge or tunnel.
Provide information concerning the conditions of the roadway including bridge or tunnel activity, traffic congestion, incidents, or weather conditions to the travelling public either directly using traveller services (e.g. website) or through the media.
Collect and disseminate information on border crossing status and schedules.
Coordinate traveller information with other information service providers including transportation departments/ministries, private traveller information service providers, etc.