Cobra Electric (South Coast) Ltd. of Surrey and PBA Consulting Engineers of Vancouver took the top award for Specialized Engineering Services at the 9th annual Deputy Minister's Consulting Engineers Awards, for exceptional collaborative work on the George Massey Tunnel and Alex Fraser Bridge Advanced Traveller Information System.

The government invested $2.7 million for five new intelligent, overhead message signs to estimate travel times for motorists travelling to or from the Oak Street Bridge and King George Boulevard via the George Massey Tunnel and Alex Fraser Bridge.

Cobra Electric (South Coast) Ltd. and PBA Consulting Engineers teamed up for this high-tech project. They were awarded a $1.4-million contract for the electrical design, testing, construction supervision and commissioning of the new system.

The project team took a technology leap by using BlueTOAD technology for the first time in B.C. BlueTOAD (Bluetooth Travel-time Origination and Destination) detects motorists who are using Bluetooth technology such as hands-free headsets.

Sensors detect vehicle locations and determine how long it takes to travel through the corridors. These times are displayed on the overhead message signs so drivers can choose the best route and save time on their commute.

The project team was ambitious, creative and extremely efficient in the project delivery - ensuring that the project was designed and built within five months. In the end, the project was delivered on time and under budget.

For Specialized Engineering Services, the finalists were Gentech Engineering Inc. of Salmon Arm for its work on Highway 1 Monte Creek to Pritchard - Phase 1 and Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd. for the engineering design work throughout the South Peace and Dawson Creek as a result of the Pine Pass flood recovery project.

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 advanced technology that can result when two great teams work together on a highway project. The new intelligent, overhead message signs save motorists precious time during their commute, helping them choose the fastest route. Congratulations to all of the finalists for their work to further boost B.C.'s thriving transportation networks."

Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer -

"I offer my congratulations to Cobra Electric of Surrey and PBA Consulting Engineers of Vancouver for an award well-earned. Their information technology project will be a real time-saver for drivers who want to determine the most efficient route to reach their destination."

Learn More:

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

• To follow Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure news, go to: www.tranbc.ca

Media Contact:

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