2026 BC Transportation Consulting Engineers Awards

ACEC-BC hosted its two-day Transportation Conference in partnership with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit and TransLink, which included the BC Transportation Consulting Engineers Awards.

This annual celebration recognizes technical excellence in consulting engineering services provided to improve BC’s transportation infrastructure.

Structural Design and Engineering Achievement

COWI & WSP – Highway No. 1 Glover Road Underpass

COWI and WSP delivered a technically innovative bridge project on some of the softest soils along Highway 1 in Langley, using lightweight fill and expanded polystyrene to open the new bridge ahead of schedule without impacting the budget.

The project improved safety and reliability by increasing height clearance from 4.4 meters to 5.2 meters, preventing commercial vehicle strikes that previously caused delays, repairs, and congestion.

Through simple, effective design and proactive contract management, the team avoided major structural claims, reduced construction complexity, and created a future-ready bridge that allows widening without additional work.

Road Design and Engineering Innovation

McElhanney – Highway 16, 2nd Ave and McBride Street Intersection Improvements

McElhanney transformed one of Prince Rupert’s busiest and most challenging intersections into a safer, more efficient roundabout, addressing long-standing safety and congestion issues through strong engineering judgment and innovative design.

Despite complex constraints, including property acquisition, unidentified utilities, geotechnical and contaminated sites, McElhanney delivered an integrated solution that significantly enhances pedestrian, cyclist, transit, and vehicle safety while supporting inclusive mobility.

Through close collaboration with the City of Prince Rupert, the project maximized value within an $18-million budget, delivering major infrastructure upgrades and creating a safer, more connected, and revitalized downtown gateway for the community.

Transportation Planning and Studies Innovation

Binnie & Lucent Quay Consulting – Highway 101 Alternate Route Planning Study

Binnie provided expert technical leadership on the Highway 101 Alternate Route Planning Study, conducting detailed evaluations across engineering, environmental, social, economic, and financial criteria to ensure evidence-based and defensible recommendations.

Lucent Quay Consulting led a comprehensive engagement strategy, fostering strong partnerships with the Shishalh Nation, Squamish Nation, local governments, and community members to integrate values and priorities into the study.

The collaboration between Binnie and Lucent Quay enabled the ministry to navigate complex stakeholder interests, advance reconciliation with First Nations, and develop a long-term, community-supported vision for Highway 101 on the Sunshine Coast.

Construction Management and Supervision Achievement

Associated Engineering – Baxter Bridge Replacement Project

Associated Engineering provided exceptional leadership on this project, with Ministry Representative Bob Smith joining at the 90% design stage and guiding the work through final design, complex pre-construction activities, and a major rehabilitation of the existing Baxter Bridge.

Bob’s collaborative, experienced, and team-oriented approach built strong relationships with local First Nations, landowners, the contractor, and the project team, playing a key role in the project’s smooth delivery and overall success.

Despite extended supervision due to added scope, Associated Engineering delivered excellent value by keeping costs under budget, completing the project ahead of schedule, and contributing to the contractor’s nomination for Contractor of the Year.

Active Transportation

WSP – Cycle 16 Multi-use Pathway, Phase 3

WSP delivered the Cycle 16 Multi-Use Pathway, a 15-kilometre trail alongside Highway 16 between Smithers and Telkwa, providing a safe and accessible active transportation route that supports healthy lifestyles and sustainable travel.

The project demonstrates strong technical expertise, meeting provincial active transportation design guidelines and carefully navigating complex requirements such as switchbacks, maximum grades, and Ministry right-of-way standards.

WSP’s leadership in design and stakeholder coordination across three jurisdictions ensures the pathway will seamlessly connect communities, enhance safety, and create a lasting transportation legacy for Northern British Columbia.

Specialized Engineering and Project Services Innovation

Triton Environmental Consultants & Cutting Edge Consulting – Red Bridge Emergency Response Project

Following the catastrophic loss of the historic Kamloops Red Bridge, Triton Environmental Consultants and Cutting Edge Consulting mobilized rapidly under emergency conditions, providing critical environmental leadership during a highly sensitive incident that coincided with peak salmon migration.

Over six months of sustained effort, the teams supported the safe removal of bridge debris from the Thompson River while minimizing environmental impacts and protecting public health through close coordination with the Tkemlúps Indian Band, governments, and regulatory agencies.

By prioritizing worker safety, environmental protection, and strong multi stakeholder coordination through daily briefings and an Emergency Operations Center, the teams demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and excellence in emergency environmental response.

Featured image: (ACEC-BC)