Albert Street flood alert system causes confusion for commuters
On the same day the City of Regina activated its new flood warning system for the Albert Street underpass – drivers were faced with confusion when the system activated despite no flooding.
Footage of the traffic backup can be seen using the video player above.
When the system activates, “do not enter” signs light up on either side of the intersection.
According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), 16 claims related to drivers attempting to drive through the flooded underpasses in the city have been filed with the company since 2020.
“If these avoids some claims, it is probably a good investment,” SGI Manager of Media Relations Tyler McMurchy told CTV News.
The rail underpass located just north of the intersection of Saskatchewan Drive and Albert Street has been notorious as vehicles easily become bogged down and trapped when flood waters rise.
According to the city, the cost of the system was $185,000 with SGI providing $60,000.
While Regina did receive steady rainfall Monday night – it was not enough to cause flooding in the underpass. Regardless, the system was engaged.
In a statement on Tuesday, the City of Regina explained that the system’s activation was due to an issue with a sensor.
When the accidental activation was discovered, city staff “promptly deactivated” the system.
“City staff are actively working to find a solution. Continuous testing will ensure that the system is operating as designed with the intent of protecting public health and safety,” the statement read.
“We thank those residents that recognized that the warning system had been activated. Awareness is the first step necessary to ensure public safety.”
Mayor Sandra Masters hopes drivers continue to follow the warnings whether the underpass is flooded or not.
“It’s intended to stop traffic and tell you, ‘you will not make it through this,” she told reporters Wednesday. “Obey the traffic lights.”
McMurchy says drivers who attempt to drive through the flood may be at risk of voiding their insurance.
“Like any claim, it’ll be judged on its merits,” he explained. “If somebody damages a vehicle intentionally, they are unlikely to receive coverage as a result.”
SGI acknowledged people do make mistakes.
“If they didn’t, there wouldn’t be much need for insurance,” McMurchy said. “You may be determined to be at fault but that’s what insurance is for.”
SGI went on to say drivers who are found to be at fault for an accident, such as getting stuck in a flooded underpass, would be subject to paying their deductible.
--With files from Drew Postey.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
ANALYSIS Will Donald Trump go to prison? What the precedent says
Now that the jury in Donald Trump's criminal trial has made the historic decision to convict him, the judge overseeing the case will soon face a monumental choice: whether to sentence the 2024 Republican presidential candidate to time behind bars.
The northern lights are returning to night skies across Canada this Friday
If you missed the brilliant displays of the aurora borealis over North America on May 10, you may have another chance to see them on Friday night.
A pair enjoyed pricey meals and bolted when it was time to pay. Their dine and dash ended in jail
A Welsh couple who dined out on pricey meals and bolted when the bill came is now paying the price, behind bars.
Here's what you should know about Donald Trump's conviction in his hush money trial
Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts marks the end of the former president’s historic hush money trial, but the fight over the case is far from over.
Montreal tech billionaire charged with several sex offences
Robert Miller was charged Thursday with several sexual assault charges after Montreal police reopened an investigation into the tech billionaire.
'Why didn't they stop?' Mom asks of driver in hit-and-run crash that killed son
The mother of a 13-year-old boy who was killed in a hit-and-run in Edmonton is begging the driver to come forward.
Police: 3 killed, including suspected gunman, in Minneapolis shooting
Three people, including the suspected gunman, are dead after a shooting Thursday at a Minneapolis apartment complex, police said.
$400K in damages for B.C. woman who had unnecessary mastectomy was 'inordinately high,' court finds
A jury's award of $400,000 to a woman who had a mastectomy after being misdiagnosed with breast cancer has been substantially reduced by B.C.'s highest court, which found the damages were "wholly disproportionate."
Can Trump come to Canada now that he's a convicted felon?
A Canadian immigration lawyer says now that Donald Trump is a convicted felon, he is technically barred from crossing the border into Canada.