The contractors behind some of British Columbia’s most important transportation and infrastructure projects in 2019 were recognized with the B.C. Highways Contractor Awards in December. The B.C. government announced winners in various categories including bridges and structures, grading, paving, road and bridge maintenance, and community service.
Bridges and structures
The award of excellence for bridges and structures in 2019 went to Formula Contractors Ltd. for replacing the Bowlder Creek culvert on Highway 97 near Chetwynd with a 30.5 metre, two-lane bridge and new highway approaches. The project also included stream channel stabilization work and environmental management.
Grading
MacKay Contracting Ltd. was presented the top award for grading for the Highway 1 Donald to Forde Station Road four-laning project near Golden. Work included widening 2.5 kilometres of Highway 1 to four lanes and improving access to the commercial vehicle safety enforcement inspection station. They exhibited excellent traffic management, adjusting well to changing conditions throughout the project, which was completed on time, without incidents and minimal traffic disruptions to this busy corridor.
Paving
The top honour for paving went to BA Blacktop Ltd. for its work on the Highway 11 Harris Road to Mission Bridge resurfacing project near Abbotsford. This corridor sees approximately 43,000 vehicles per day. As the only crossing over the Fraser River within the Fraser Valley, it was critical to complete the project in a timely manner.
Road and bridge maintenance
The award for road and bridge maintenance went to Yellowhead Road & Bridge (YRB) Vanderhoof, which is responsible for approximately 1,500 kilometres of roads and 41 bridges across the communities of Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser and Endako.
Community service
Selkirk Paving Ltd. is this year’s winner for its dedication to community service. It donated funds to the Rossland Skatepark, donated time and materials to the Nelson Tennis Club and the Nelson Nordic Ski Club, and donated a pathway to the City of Nelson Hall Street Project in spring 2019. In June, Selkirk Paving contributed to the well-being of its community by engaging families in the “Dig with Dad” event. This free interactive event brought together children, parents and the Selkirk Paving team.
