ARC Asphalt Recycling Inc. has won this year's Deputy Minister's Contractor of the Year Award in the paving category, for a project on Highway 16 from Blackman Road to Red Pass and Driscoll Creek to Slim Creek, east of Prince George.

This was the longest resurfacing project in the northern region this year, totalling 129 kilometres. The company used the Hot-in-Place recycling method for the project. This made-in-B.C. technology is fast, saves resources and lowers greenhouse-gas emissions.

As is typical in the North, the project presented some weather challenges, as part of it is located in the interior rain forest which gets heavy precipitation. As well, the Blackman Road-to-Red Pass section is located within Mount Robson Provincial Park, where there is a great deal of tourist traffic pulling in and out of the viewing/rest area. ARC delivered an excellent traffic-management plan, which resulted in minimal delays to the tourist traffic.

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. There is also an award for excellence in safety innovation.

The 11th annual awards were hosted by the B.C. Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association on Dec. 6 in Victoria.

The other finalists in this category were Peter's Bros Construction Ltd. for resurfacing work on Highway 3, Manning Park, and Interoute Construction Ltd. for a resurfacing project on Highway 6, Enterprise Crescent to Silverton.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

"Our contractors often have to deal with adverse weather conditions, busy traffic, and challenging elevations to keep our roads and highways in good condition. ARC Asphalt excelled at managing those challenges for the Highway 16 resurfacing project, and completed it on time and on budget. Congratulations as well to the other finalists for their great work this year in keeping B.C.'s transportation network safe and efficient for the travelling public."

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

Media Contact:

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