Buckland & Taylor Engineering Ltd., took the top award in design and contract preparation of structures at the 7th annual Deputy Minister's Awards for Consulting Engineers for replacing the Capilano Bridge and moving the existing bridge, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond announced.
 
"This award highlights the innovative work of Buckland & Taylor on a key piece of a $40 million project - the Marine Drive/Lions Gate transit improvements" said Bond. "The company's plan to move the old bridge and use it as a detour is an exceptional example of a creative solution to infrastructure investment - all accomplished without the travelling public hardly even noticing."
 
The company's innovative plan allowed the existing bridge to be moved with hydraulic jacks overnight and repositioned while most people slept. The existing bridge could then be used as a detour during construction. Other than a slight change in the road alignment, most commuters had no idea the bridge had been moved. The plan protected sensitive fish habitat, saved over a million dollars and shaved weeks of time off the project. 
 

The Deputy Minister Consulting Engineer awards recognize technical excellence in consulting engineer services that improve transportation infrastructure in British Columbia. The ministry nominated three finalists in each of the four categories: Design and Contract Preparation - Roads; Design and Contract Preparation - Structures; Construction Management and Supervision Services; and Specialized Engineering Services. Finalists were chosen for assignments completed in 2010.