Buckland and Taylor Ltd. of North Vancouver took the top award for Design and Contract Preparation - Structures at the 9th annual Deputy Minister's Consulting Engineers Awards, for its exceptional work on the Hagwilget Suspension Bridge Rehabilitation project near New Hazelton.

More than $5 million has been invested over the past three years to rehabilitate this historic, single-lane steel-suspension bridge located on the Hazelton High Level Road, two kilometres north of Highway 16. Suspended 80 metres above the Bulkley River, the bridge is constructed of steel and cable, with a tower at either end and cement abutments at the approaches.

The bridge is the only link between New Hazelton and Old Hazelton, therefore it is vital for emergency services, as well as travel by local residents, tourists and commercial trucks. Opened in 1932, the bridge's heritage value was a key component of the rehabilitation project.

Buckland and Taylor Ltd. was awarded an $875,000 design contract in March 2011 to replace corroded steelwork components, inspect the main suspension cables and provide a coating condition assessment. The company developed innovative design procedures that enabled rehabilitation work to occur in 2012 with minimal traffic disruption under tight time constraints.

The bridge has now been significantly rehabilitated. Buckland and Taylor Ltd. was successful in its mission to provide a safe and efficient corridor for travellers while preserving the bridge's heritage value.

Finalists in this category were Hatch Mott MacDonald Ltd. of Vancouver for its work on the Squamish Nation Pedestrian Overpass on Highway 99 and CWMM of Kelowna for its work on the Old Kootenay River Channel Bridge.

The Deputy Minister's Consulting Engineers Awards recognize technical excellence in consulting engineer services that improve transportation infrastructure in B.C.

Finalists were chosen for projects completed in 2012 in the categories of:

• Design and Contract Preparation - Roads

• Design and Contract Preparation - Structures

• Construction Management and Supervision Services

• Specialized Engineering Services

• Transit Engineering Services

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"This award highlights the engineering excellence involved in designing a rehabilitation project on a historic suspension bridge that spans over a canyon, 80 metres above a river. This was a giant undertaking and Buckland and Taylor Ltd. of North Vancouver did a magnificent job. Congratulations to all of the finalists for their work to further boost B.C.'s thriving transportation networks."

North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Naomi Yamamoto -

"Congratulations to Buckland and Taylor Ltd. for their creative vision and design work on the Hagwilget Suspension Bridge Rehabilitation project, ensuring structural efficiency as well as preserving heritage and aesthetics. This is an award well earned, and I offer my congratulations to all team members involved."

Learn More:

For photos and videos: www.th.gov.bc.ca/celebratingexcellence/engineers.htm

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Media Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241