The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced the winners of the 2023 Transportation Contractor of the Year Awards of Excellence.
The awards celebrate achievements in construction, road and bridge maintenance, safety and community service.
“These companies have gone above and beyond to provide excellent service to British Columbians, often during some challenging circumstances like extreme weather and wildfires,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure. “They have shown extraordinary commitment to innovation, diversity, community service and the environment.”
Bridges and Structures Award
Gitga’at Park Derochie Industrial Services Inc., Old Skeena Bridge Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation work on the Old Skeena Bridge near Terrace ensured the preservation of the 1925 bridge’s historical significance, a symbol of the region’s rich heritage and scenic beauty. Facing a significant increase in the project’s scope, the firm added a second shift and finished the work four months before schedule.
Paving Award
Dawson Construction Limited, Resurfacing Highway 97
Dawson resurfaced more than 54 km of Highway 97 at Hixon, south of Prince George. The company’s use of 15 per cent recycled-asphalt pavement created a smoother and sustainable road. The company switched gears and helped manage traffic during the fire season. The company completed the project well ahead of schedule and within budget.
Grading Award
Thompson Brothers Construction, Highway 29 – Lynx Creek Bridge Replacement and Highway Re-alignment
As a response to flooding from a reservoir, the project included a large highway-embankment fill, a 150-metre bridge and a 280-metre causeway crossing Lynx Creek. The company moved more than two million cubic metres of material, extended a stability berm, provided embankment-wave protection and adapted final grading while adjusting schedules to accommodate new work and delays due to wildfire evacuations.
Workplace Health and Safety Award
AIM Roads, SIPT System
The Safety Intelligent Protection Technology (SIPT) system protects road-maintenance crews by creating a virtual fence and AI-driven hazard alarms, in addition to traffic-control devices. SIPT’s alerts mean that workers now react more swiftly to potential hazards. AIM has had fewer incidents and worker injuries since it began using SIPT.
Road and Bridge Maintenance Award
Capilano Highway Services, Service Area 5 – Sunshine Coast
Capilano Highway Services is redefining industry standards to keep people and goods on the move on the Sunshine Coast, with innovations like safety and quality software programs, smartphone apps and improvements to winter maintenance. The company supports a range of community activities and is committed to diversity and inclusivity, including hiring First Nations subcontractors.
Community Service Award
Yellowhead Road & Bridge
For five years, the company has partnered with the non-profit Murray Ridge Ski Area, providing crucial road maintenance, snow removal and parking-lot care to ensure safe travel for students on ski days.
