CALGARY — A new smart system for clearing the province’s highways in wintertime will save the province money and produce better results, Alberta Transportation says.

The online Maintenance Decision Support System, to be implemented come winter, will offer specialized advice for handling even the most adverse snow and sleet conditions, said Steve Otto, director of highway operations for Alberta Transportation.

The system will give guidance on road treatments — whether it’s plowing or adding a certain mix of de-icing substances — depending on the weather conditions.

“It automates it so when a guy is half asleep or there’s somebody new, they haven’t lost that expertise,” Otto said.

The information will go to private contractors hired by the government to keep provincial roads safe in the winter.

Otto said in other jurisdictions, the system has shaved six to 20 per cent off budgets for de-icing substances, such as sand and salt spread on the road.

“We’re not doing it just to save money,” he said. “The incentive for us is to give the highway maintenance contractors another tool to make the best decisions and provide good quality service.”

The system will cost $300,000 to set up and $150,000 in annual operating costs.