The province of British Columbia is 944,735 km², criss-crossed by more than 700,000 kms of roads in a variety of climates and geographical regions.
These roads are all constructed, maintained, and repaired by an extensive network of contractors.
Each year, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure hosts the BC Transportation Contractor of the Year Awards of Excellence, recognizing excellence in the delivery of transportation infrastructure projects.
There are six categories under which awards are issued: Workplace Health and Safety, Bridges and Structures, Grading, Paving, Community Service, Road and Bridge Maintenance.
For 2021, Yellowhead Road and Bridge – Nicola was the recipient of the Contractor of the Year award for Road and Bridge Maintenance.
Yellowhead is responsible for approximately 3,400 kilometres of roads, 168 bridges, the Lytton Reaction Ferry, and a snowshed. It also manages the main highway connections through high-elevation mountain passes from the Lower Mainland into B.C.’s Interior and has increased its fleet and patrol frequencies to improve winter maintenance on this challenging terrain.
Drivers in the Nicola Valley frequently travel roads maintained by the company, which was formed in 2019 after being selected as Preferred Proponent in the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructures 2018/2019 Highway Maintenance Contract re-tendering process.
“As the past few weeks have shown, British Columbians can always count on the province’s heavy construction industry to step up when they’re most needed,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Though these are annual awards, it’s especially important this year for us to acknowledge these contractors who tirelessly maintain our province’s highways and roads. The expertise and resilience of the winners and nominees is greatly appreciated.”
