Traffic data from AI-powered sensors used to consider new replacement bridge to Vancouver International Airport
This technology uses solar power and AI to monitor, process, and compile traffic data directly on the sensor itself without the need to store footage locally, which is an approach that minimizes infrastructure needs, effectively significantly reducing installation and data transmission costs, while also providing accurate, real-time information.
The data, supported by analytics from Simon Fraser University’s Big Data team, will help shape future infrastructure decisions — including the long-term replacement of the Moray Bridge and potential enhancements to other roadways serving Sea Island and YVR.
The IM initiative aims to assist local companies in developing and selling their clean-tech solutions locally. The project received $100,000 from IM and additional funding from the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT).
“At YVR, we’re proud to be the first testbed in the Integrated Marketplace, demonstrating how collaboration with B.C.’s leading innovators — like MistyWest — can deliver real impact,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority, in a statement.
“By adopting MistyVision sensors, we’re leveraging advanced, data-driven technology to enhance our roadway efficiency and cargo operations, benefiting both our community and our business partners. This investment reflects YVR’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and our role as a globally competitive gateway — and as a place where great companies want to work and grow,” continued Vrooman.
Leigh Christie, co-founder of MistyWest, said, “Our solar-powered smart sensors are now best-in-class globally, and we have Innovate BC to thank for helping us to land our first customer: YVR/MOTT.”
The Moray Bridge is a swing bridge that forms a segment of the Sea Island Way arterial road route over the Fraser River’s middle arm, providing two eastbound-only vehicle lanes between the southern end of the Arthur Laing Bridge and Richmond. It is not only a major bridge to reach YVR, but also a key route between Vancouver and Richmond and other areas of the South of Fraser via the Arthur Laing Bridge.
The existing Moray Bridge (bottom) and Sea Island Airport Connector Bridge (top). (City of Richmond)
The existing Moray Bridge (bottom) and Sea Island Airport Connector Bridge (top). (Google Maps)
In 2022, the provincial government indicated it would launch a study to replace the 1957-built bridge, which has now “reached the end of its useful life,” according to the City of Richmond.
Traffic congestion and delays occur on this bridge whenever the crossing opens for marine traffic. Moreover, the bridge’s swing mechanism is increasingly prone to malfunctioning, which “undermines travel time reliability with adverse impacts to multi-modal traffic flow and goods movement.”
In particular, when the swing bridge fails to close, severe traffic backups occur on Sea Island Way on Sea Island, and can greatly affect the timely traffic flow on the Arthur Laing Bridge and the accessibility of YVR.
As well, this swing bridge’s low height is problematic not only for the growth of marine traffic, but also for future plans by the municipal government to raise dikes to address future sea level rise.
Prior to the 2001 opening of the Sea Island Airport Connector Bridge, located immediately north of the Moray Bridge, the Moray Bridge functioned as a bidirectional crossing, with one lane for eastbound traffic and one lane for southbound traffic.
The existing Moray Bridge (right) and Sea Island Airport Connector Bridge (left). (Google Maps)
The existing Moray Bridge looking east towards Richmond. (Google Maps)
The existing Moray Bridge looking west towards Vancouver International Airport. (Google Maps)
Earlier this spring, Vancouver Airport Authority also announced it is exploring plans to partner with the Aviation Solutions division of Schiphol Group — the Dutch owner and operator of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and Lelystad Airport — to integrate YVR’s Digital Twin platform and Schiphol’s Deep Turnaround platform to harness real-time intelligence and AI-driven predictions to enhance aircraft readiness, reduce delays, and maximize terminal gate utilization.
“Both YVR and Schiphol Group support the principle that solutions should be developed by airports, for airports, and we are committed to sharing our best practices and products to drive adoption across the industry,” reads a bulletin by the airport authority.
“By leveraging our top-tier solutions, airports will be seamlessly connected, providing passengers with a smooth, digital journey without the need to adjust to new or incompatible systems. This collaboration will lead to more efficient and streamlined airport operations, benefiting both the industry and travellers alike.”
Digital Twin of Vancouver International Airport. (Vancouver Airport Authority/GeoSim Cities)
Digital Twin of Vancouver International Airport. (Vancouver Airport Authority/GeoSim Cities)
A screenshot of the digital twin of Vancouver International Airport. (Vancouver Airport Authority/GeoSim Cities)
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