Urban Systems of Vancouver took the top award for Alternative Transportation at the 12th annual Deputy Minister’s Consulting Engineers Awards, for its exceptional work on the Stanley Park Causeway pedestrian and cycling safety improvement project.

The consulting engineer firm was awarded a $518,000 contract to design pedestrian and cycling safety improvements on the Stanley Park Causeway. This task was particularly complex because of the need to deliver a design for significant safety improvements while preserving the natural environment of Stanley Park.

The designer provided a plan for wider sidewalks and safety fencing that met engineering criteria and, at the same time, minimized impacts in the park. Innovation was shown in the development of specialized techniques to protect mature trees adjacent to the causeway during construction and with the inclusion of rapid flashing beacons to further increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists. These beacons are remotely triggered and located where the multi-use pathway crosses the busy vehicle on- and off-ramps.

The team also incorporated feedback from the public and key stakeholders such as local First Nations, the Vancouver Park Board, the Stanley Park Ecology Society and the cycling community.  As well, the design considered constructability in off-peak hours due to the high volume of all types of traffic.

“I commend Urban Systems for achieving the delicate balance needed between critical safety improvements and Stanley Park which is cherished by so many, including the local First Nations who have a long history within the park,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “Congratulations to all of the finalists for their work to improve B.C.’s transportation system and for helping to move people safely on our roads, highways and bridges.”

“This important transportation corridor is heavily relied on by residents and tourists for commuting and recreation purposes, and I want to add my congratulations to Urban Systems for this well-earned award,” said Vancouver-False Creek MLA Sam Sullivan.

The finalists in this category were CH2M Hill Canada Limited for the Phibbs Exchange preliminary design and Via Architecture Inc. for the Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station upgrade.

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 2015 in the categories of:

• Design and Contract Preparation – Roads
• Design and Contract Preparation – Structures
• Construction Management and Supervision Services
• Specialized Engineering Services
• Alternative Transportation

Learn More:

For photos and videos: www.gov.bc.ca/celebratingexcellencetransportation

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