Nova Scotian contractors are now authorized to use the SmartFlagger built by Dartmouth, NS based Site 20/20. Photo: Site 20/20.
Motorists traversing the roads of Nova Scotia will soon encounter a novel addition to their driving experience. Over the next few weeks, automated flagging machines are set to become a common sight at road construction sites across the province.
In a recent statement, Public Works Minister Kim Masland announced the deployment of these innovative machines, aimed at bolstering the safety of workers at construction sites. The traditional practice of having human flaggers stationed at road edges will now be supplanted by these technologically advanced devices.
“These machines will allow flagging crews to stay further off the roads and thus do their jobs in a safer manner,” stated Masland, highlighting the potential safety benefits.
These automated flagging machines will, however, adhere to specific regulations. They will not be operational on the 100-series highways and will be restricted to roads with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h. Furthermore, their deployment will be reserved for roads with relatively low traffic volume, encompassing fewer than 200 vehicles per hour.
The design of the flagging device comprises a flag along with a red and a yellow light. The signals emitted by the device will bear familiarity to seasoned motorists. When the gate ascends and the yellow light begins flashing, drivers are advised to proceed cautiously. Conversely, when the gate is raised and a solid yellow light is displayed, it serves as a signal for drivers to prepare for a halt. Finally, when the gate descends and a red light emanates, vehicles are required to come to a complete stop.
Drawing attention to the safety track record of these devices, Masland stressed that similar flagging machines have been adopted in various regions of the country, demonstrating their effectiveness. Notably, the flagging machines enlisted in Nova Scotia will be manufactured by a local company, Site 20/20, headquartered in Dartmouth.
Importantly, Minister Masland underscored that these automated flagging devices are not intended to replace existing human workers. As construction activity continues to surge in the province, the shortage of flaggers has become apparent. Masland clarified that this technological intervention is not designed to supplant jobs, stating emphatically, “The primary benefit of these devices is safety, they won’t be taking away jobs or inherently speeding things up but safety is always our top priority at Public Works and these will help with that.”
How many devices are deployed will ultimately come down to contractors who decide to utilize the newly authorized technology.
