R.F. Binnie and Associates took the top award for construction management and supervision services at the 8th annual Deputy Minister's Consulting Engineers Awards, for work on the John Hart-Highway 97, Bennett Creek to Link Creek project.

The scope of work on this project included reconstruction of 11 kilometres, with nine kilometres of upgrading and two kilometres of new road and bridge construction. The location of the project - approximately 90 kilometres south of Chetwynd - presented some unique challenges, including an isolated work site, a short construction season in the Pine Pass, geotechnical complexities and damage due to a major rainfall.

R. F. Binnie and Associates met these challenges by taking a proactive approach, anticipating potential issues and expertly managing the schedule to avoid delays, all while keeping the lines of communication open with contractors and the ministry to ensure a successful result.

The Deputy Minister's Consulting Engineers Awards recognize technical excellence in consulting engineer services that improve transportation infrastructure in British Columbia. Finalists were chosen for projects completed in 2011 in the categories of:

• Design and Contract Preparation - Roads.
• Design and Contract Preparation - Structures.
• Construction Management and Supervision Services.
• Specialized Engineering Services.

Runners-up were CMS Focus Construction Management Services of Victoria for work on the Plett Road to Stone Creek Bridge project on the Highway 97 Cariboo Connector, and V. Lange Consulting of Kelowna for work on the South Fraser Perimeter Road Landfill Closure project.

Photos and videos can be viewed at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/celebratingexcellence/engineers.htm

Contact:

Cindy Cousins
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-9048