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
NDP wants Liberals to scrap proposed election date change that could secure pensions for many MPs
The federal New Democrats want to amend the Liberal government's electoral reform legislation to scrap the proposal to push back the vote by a week and consequently secure pensions for dozens of MPs, CTV News has learned.
Drive one of these vehicles? You may pay 37 per cent more than average insurance costs due to thefts
As the number of auto theft incidents rises in Canada, so have insurance premiums for drivers, even the ones whose vehicles aren't stolen.
Doug Ford suggests immigrants behind Jewish school shooting
Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested immigrants are to blame for the shooting of an empty Jewish school in Toronto over the weekend, despite police saying they have little information on the suspects.
Melanie Joly 'forward-leaning' in debate on Ukraine using NATO arms inside Russia
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is suggesting Canada would support a policy of allowing Ukraine to use NATO-provided arms inside Russia.
Fast-paced, highflying SailGP blows into Halifax for weekend competition
Ten countries, including Canada, each with teams of six sailors, are battling head-to-head on Halifax Harbour this weekend for the Canadian debut of SailGP (Grand Prix).
Donald Trump can sue niece over NY Times article, court rules
A New York state appeals court said Donald Trump can sue his niece Mary Trump for giving the New York Times information for its Pulitzer Prize-winning 2018 probe into his finances and his alleged effort to avoid taxes.
Shania Twain shares how she forgave her ex-husband's cheating: 'It's his mistake'
Shania Twain recently addressed the infidelity that rocked her marriage to Robert 'Mutt' Lange, whom she divorced in 2010 after he had an affair with her friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud.
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.
Supreme Court won't hear appeal in Montreal brainwashing experiments case
The Supreme Court of Canada will not review a Quebec ruling that bars people from suing the U.S. government in Canada over its role in notorious brainwashing experiments at a Montreal psychiatric hospital.