2024 Award for Design and Contract Preparation - Roads

Nominees

The nominees for the 2024 Award of Excellence for Design and Contract Preparation – Roads are:

R.F. Binnie & Associates

Project: West Fraser Road Flood Recovery Project
Location: Southern Interior Region Narcosli Creek Valley, approximately 20 kms South of Quesnel

In 2018, flooding devastated sections of West Fraser Road near Quesnel, prompting a 45 kilometre gravel detour. R.F. Binnie & Associates responded to the challenge, navigating public concerns, environmental issues and treacherous terrain to create a new 5.5 kilometre road and 124 metre bridge.  

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, along with R.F. Binnie & Associates, held many consultations with the community and the ?Esdilagh First Nations to solicit feedback and understand impacts. The redesigned road, featuring a 124 metre bridge over Narcosli Creek, prioritized safety, using concrete lock blocks for rockfall prevention and strategic pullouts for large vehicles.

Beyond recovery, the team focused on resilience, adapting to climate change and enhancing safety for all users. Meeting deadlines and budgetary goals, West Fraser Road now stands as a secure link to Quesnel.

R.F. Binnie

Project: Highway 14 – Connie Road to Glinz Road Safety Realignment
Location: South Coast Region Highway 14 between Victoria and Sooke

R.F. Binnie successfully designed a 2.3 kilometre segment of Highway 14, addressing safety issues around the historic 17 Mile House and improving access to side roads between Victoria and Sooke. The design created a safer location and design of the road by focusing on straightening sharp corners, providing two lanes in each direction with barriers, and incorporating two-meter shoulders. Notable features include a 40-vehicle park-and-ride with eight EV charge stations, enhanced drainage, wetland improvements, and lighting at intersections. Overcoming challenges such as acquiring property and preserving a 125-year-old building, the project showcased innovative solutions like a "turnaround road" and bridge overpass.

Collaboration with property owners and the Beecher Bay First Nation led to additional improvements on East Sooke Road, contributing to strong partnerships with local communities.  

Climate adaptation measures included upsizing culverts for seven tributaries, while widened shoulders increased cyclist safety. The project demonstrated responsiveness to concerns, resulting in a significant safety enhancement for the 15,000 daily commuters. 

Winner

R.F. Binnie & Associates

Project: West Fraser Road Flood Recovery Project
Location: Southern Interior Region Narcosli Creek Valley, approximately 20 kms South of Quesnel