McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. of Vancouver took the top award for Design and Contract Preparation - Roads at the 11th annual Deputy Minister’s Consulting Engineers Awards, for its exceptional work on the Malahat Safety Improvement Project on Vancouver Island.

The firm was awarded a $1-million contract to create a design and tender package for the Malahat Safety Improvement Project. This design involved widening 2.3 kilometres of Highway 1 from Shawnigan Lake Road to the Malahat summit to accommodate median barrier, extend passing lanes, improve intersections, and provide better access to and from the Summit Rest Area. The $15-million Malahat Safety Improvement project was completed ahead of schedule earlier this week.

An interesting opportunity was uncovered during the construction phase. After the site was cleared and excavated, it was determined that additional work was possible due to better-than-anticipated geotechnical conditions. McElhanney supported the project team by quickly proceeding with revised design drawings to allow the construction of a 400-metre extension to the northbound passing lane. Their timely response allowed for a seamless transition by the construction contractor, who was able to incorporate the additional work into their schedule without delay.

The finalists in this category were R.F. Binnie & Associates of Prince George for Highway 2 Tupper Creek to 192nd Road south of Dawson Creek, and Associated Engineers (BC) Ltd. of Kelowna for the Hummingbird Creek Bridge project near Sicamous, and the Shelter Bay and Galena Bay Ferry Terminals south of Revelstoke.

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 their work in 2014 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 Todd Stone -

“This award showcases the technical expertise and adaptability of McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. in delivering a top quality safety improvement design for an important corridor through challenging terrain. Congratulations to all of the finalists for their work to further boost B.C.’s thriving transportation networks.”

Vancouver-False Creek MLA Sam Sullivan -

“Congratulations to McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. of Vancouver for their skilled approach in designing Malahat safety improvements both pre-tender as well as during construction. 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 Contacts:

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