Pittman Asphalt Ltd. of Prince George has won this year's Deputy Minister's Contractor of the Year Award for its paving work on Prince George area roads.

Projects include Stuart River Bridge to Kwah Road on Highway 27, North Kelly Road to Salmon River Bridge on Highway 97, and the intersection of Highway 97 and 16, which is heavily used by local commuters and traffic bound for locations throughout the northern part of the province. A number of side roads in the area were also resurfaced. Pittman finished the projects on time and on budget.

The Deputy Minister's Contractor of the Year Awards recognize construction and maintenance companies demonstrating excellence in the categories of grading, paving, bridges and structures, and highway maintenance work throughout the province. This year a new category for excellence in safety innovation was also awarded. The 10th annual awards were hosted by the B.C. Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association on Dec. 7 in Victoria.

The award runners-up in the paving category were Okanagan Aggregates Ltd. of Armstrong for the Highway 43 Overlay-Sparwood to Line Creek Road Project, and ARC Asphalt Recycling Inc. of Kamloops for Hot-In-Place Recycling on Highway 5 from Valemount to Tete Jaune and from Avola to Whitewater Bridge.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"This award is well-deserved and highlights the excellent work Pittman Asphalt Ltd. did this year to improve roads in the Prince George area. These roads are busy with both local traffic and those travelling to more northern parts of the province, so it's important we keep them safe and efficient for all users."

"Congratulations to all the finalists for their outstanding work on B.C.'s roads, highways and bridges this year."

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond -

"It is great to see Pittman Asphalt recognized with this special Deputy Minister's Award. The Contractor of the Year award is being presented for the excellent work Pittman did in Prince George, including finishing these significant projects on time and on budget. I want to add my congratulations for the diligence and service this company has demonstrated in our region."

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell -

"It is great to see a local company win an award for the road work that we, here in Prince George, get to see on a daily basis. I know commuters appreciate the quality of the work that Pittman Asphalt has done, and continues to do, in our community."

Photographs of the Deputy Minister's Contractor of the Year Award winners and finalists can be viewed at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/celebratingexcellence/contractors.htm

Contact:

Cindy Cousins
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-1572