PureTech Systems deploys wide area video surveillance system for Macdonald and MacKay bridges in Canada

Macdonald and Mackay bridges have more than 100 surveillance cameras installed with intelligent video analytics

PureTech Systems announced the installation of its PureActiv wide area video surveillance system has been completed on both the Macdonald and the MacKay Bridges. The bridges, maintained and operated by Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB), accommodate almost 34 million crossing each year. They provide transportation between Halifax and Dartmouth and are a critical part of the area's business and social livelihood. HHB's mission is to provide safe, efficient, reliable cross harbour transportation infrastructure at an appropriate cost. Part of that mission included a security upgrade, which included over 100 surveillance cameras augmented with PureTech intelligent video analytics for detection and analysis.   The system, whose installation was overseen by Dartmouth-based Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems (UEMS), will allow HHB a higher level of monitoring for security and safety related events.

The system includes integration of both fixed and pan-tilt-zoom camera types from companies including Bosch and FLIR.   The ability to deal with Nova Scotia's changing weather conditions and the unique aspects of a bridge environment drove decisions to utilise multiple technologies including thermal imaging and both short and long range camera options.  In each case, PureTech's PureActiv video analytics utilise the video for both real time detection, as well as, performing forensic actions on recorded video. 

"The deployment of a comprehensive security system on the Macdonald and MacKay bridges was a rewarding and challenging endeavor," said Kevin Campbell, Vice President of Sales at PureTech. "These bridges are icons of this community and it was a real opportunity to be able to be part of this installation. Bridges are also a very challenging structural entity and PureTech welcomed the opportunity to address these unique and challenging issues. "

Craig Paul of HHB explained, "The security of the bridges is one of our primary mandates. So when it came time to expand the security measures on the Macdonald and MacKay bridges, we wanted to select a highly comprehensive security solution that could continue to evolve to meet our needs. We think the resulting system will allow us to accomplish that goal."

In addition to video surveillance, the new system includes integration with the Johnson Controls P2000 access control system and accommodates the ability to manage both bridges simultaneously, or address each independently. It also includes PureTech's point and click camera control and its geospatial map-based user interface. Although the initial deployment focuses on security of the bridges and surrounding area, the system will also have the ability to aid in safety situations, such as detecting dropped objects or stopped vehicles.