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
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Former South Dakota mayor charged with triple homicide
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
New COVID-19 subvariants become the dominant strains in Canada
More than four years after COVID-19 effectively shut down the world, two new variants of COVID-19 have become the dominant strains of the novel coronavirus in Canada.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
BREAKING Teenager in critical condition after being hit by train in N.W. Calgary
A teenager is in critical condition after they were hit by a train in northwest Calgary on Tuesday afternoon.