Mysterious Device on Bow River Bridge Sparks Debate

BANFF, Alberta — A new device mounted to a streetlight on the Bow River bridge has become the subject of speculation among locals after photos of it circulated on Facebook this week.

The box-shaped unit with a rod hanging down drew questions about whether it was a camera, sensor, or some form of enforcement technology.

Public documents suggest the most likely explanation is traffic monitoring. The Town of Banff uses Traffax sensors that scan Bluetooth and WiFi signals to estimate travel times between locations such as the Rimrock Resort and downtown. “Traffic Stats” published by the town track vehicle volumes, bridge crossings, and delays.

Placing a sensor on the Bow River bridge would fit that system. The bridge is one of the town’s busiest choke points, and officials regularly use technology and manual light overrides there to ease congestion during peak periods.

The town has not yet confirmed the specific purpose of the new installation.

Comment below if you have your own ideas on what it might be.