2024 Award for Road and Bridge Maintenance

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The nominees for the 2024 Award of Excellence for Road and Bridge Maintenance are:

Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Fort George) Ltd. – SA 19

Service Area 19 – Fort George

Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Fort George) Ltd. (YRB) has demonstrated exceptional commitment to maintaining safe and reliable transportation routes across British Columbia. Each day, YRB ensures the roads and bridges of Service Area 19 remain in top condition, employing a proactive maintenance approach that keeps communities connected.

YRB continually enhances its fleet, introducing innovative solutions such as a Raiko icebreaker on plow trucks and specialized vehicles for sidewalk snow clearing. Their proactive winter maintenance is exemplified by returning Highway 16 to bare pavement within 12 hours after storms. The bridge crew also excels, completing complex repairs and additional maintenance beyond the Quantified Plan.

This summer, YRB showcased their commitment to timely emergency responses by supporting evacuees of the Jasper wildfire, providing essential supplies and directing traffic to safety.

Beyond daily operations, YRB actively engages with the community, improving local recreational areas through partnerships and supporting health initiatives like the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo. Their dedication to reconciliation with Indigenous communities is evident through the hiring of a First Nations Liaison and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the McLeod Lake Indian Band, fostering long-term collaborative partnerships.

YRB’s commitment to safety, innovation, and community engagement sets a high standard in the road and bridge maintenance industry. Congratulations to Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Fort George) Ltd. – SA 19 for their outstanding contributions!

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Argo Road Maintenance (Thompson) – SA 15

Service Area 15 – Thompson

Argo Road Maintenance (Argo) has transformed its approach to road and bridge maintenance, fostering positive relationships with the Ministry based on trust and respect. Their proactive strategies have reduced workload and improved public perception, as demonstrated in seasonal stakeholder assessments.

In addition to routine maintenance, Argo emphasizes community engagement and safety. They maintain clear communication with elected officials and First Nations leadership, while addressing public concerns through social media Q&A sessions. 

Argo’s innovative practices in road and bridge maintenance include enhancing their Work ID system with GIS technology, which allows for better planning and prioritization of tasks. Their quick response to maintenance needs during emergencies, along with a fire exemption permit from British Columbia Wildfire Service, ensures uninterrupted operations during high fire danger periods.

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The Winner of the 2024 Award of Excellence for Road and Bridge Maintenance is:

Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Fort George) Ltd. – SA 19

Service Area 19 – Fort George

 

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