Urban Systems Ltd. took the top award for design and contract preparation of roads at the 8th annual Deputy Minister's Consulting Engineers Awards, for its work on the Marine Drive/Lions Gate Transit Priority project.

This $40-million project in North and West Vancouver redefined Marine Drive within the existing right-of-way to allow for a transit-only lane, and reduced travel times from the North Shore to downtown Vancouver by improving transit efficiencies and making transit service more consistent. The project opened the site lines of the corridor, improving its functionality and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the area.

Urban Systems fast-tracked the design, which incorporated both ministry and municipal standards as well as Translink requirements, to fit the tight Federal Stimulus Program project timeline of providing a tender package within five months. The design also ensured the continued flow of traffic along this busy commuter corridor throughout construction.

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 Focus Corp. of Victoria for design services and technical and administrative support on the Highway 97 Plett Road to Stone Creek project south of Prince George and SNC Lavalin Inc. of Vancouver for design work on the Highway 97 Larkin-to-Crozier Road four-laning project near Vernon.

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

Quotes:

Richmond East MLA Linda Reid -

"It's great to see Urban Systems recognized for their fantastic work. We are fortunate to have one of their branches based in Richmond. They are a talented firm dedicated to their employees and their customers."

Contact:

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