Date Posted : July 1, 2021
in : News and Events
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's Phase 2 Highway 1 paving project has officially wrapped up, delivering smooth results across 55 lane-kilometers of rehabilitated asphalt surface.
First in BC: Highway paving with echelon of 4 pavers side-by-side
The All Roads team placed a total of 43,460 metric tonnes of asphalt and, for the first time in British Columbia, successfully deployed an echelon of four pavers and two milling machines operating side-by-side. The project's exceptional execution earned All Roads an End Product Specification Bonus from the Ministry.
This innovative paving method was designed to address a unique challenge along this section of Highway 1: the presence of two pronounced crown lines. These raised centerlines, engineered for water drainage, made conventional paving techniques more difficult. To solve the issue, superintendents Max Spedding and Chad Veenstra explored two approaches—either attempt to pave using one-and-a-half pavers to reach a crown line, or cover the full highway width with four pavers in echelon.
"We didn't want multiple joints in our mat, and we had the resources to attempt something new," explains Denis Labelle, Operations Manager at All Roads. "By running four pavers side-by-side, we were able to achieve a flawless mat with just one joint, and the crowns landed exactly where they were designed to be. The planning was extensive, but our crew executed it perfectly."
Labelle adds, "We're extremely proud of the team for not only imagining this approach but also delivering it successfully. It demonstrates our commitment to innovation and quality."
In addition to this pioneering method, All Roads maximized the use of modern paving technologies. The project incorporated SmoothRide—a system that uses pre-surveyed road surface files uploaded into the pavers to achieve precision results. Other advanced technologies included GPS / Variable Depth Paving, Intelligent Compaction, and Notch Wedge Safety Joint applications.
SmoothRide was first introduced by All Roads in Phase 1 of the Highway 1 project (Willingdon Avenue to Gaglardi Way), marking the first use of the technology in Canada. Building on that success, the system is now integrated across the company's fleet, ensuring GPS-guided accuracy and delivering a noticeably smoother ride for motorists.
Project Highlights
- 43,460 metric tonnes of EPS asphalt paving
- Asphalt milling
- Storm drainage improvements
- Concrete barrier replacement and reinstatement
- Granular base shouldering
- Supply and installation of crash attenuators
- Specialized fibre-reinforced asphalt
- Comprehensive traffic control and quality management