Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project Banner
 

PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT

The Ministry of Transportation (MoT) and S2S Transportation Group (S2S) reached a final agreement in June, 2005 to design, build, finance, and operate the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project. S2S was selected to provide the best-value highway improvements through a competitive selection process and a rigorous evaluation of proposals.

Within the project budget S2S Transportation Group is able to provide significant additional safety and value beyond what could have been built by the Ministry of Transportation under traditional procurement. Here are some examples of the added value we are receiving by partnering with the private sector:

  • 33% more passing lanes for a total of 80 kilometers of passing lanes along the 100 kilometre highway between Horseshoe Bay and Whistler
  • 80% more median barriers for a total of 36 kilometers of median barrier along the length of the highway
  • Highly reflective pavement markings installed along the length of the highway
  • A traffic management regime with 50% fewer delays and closures

The performance-based contract with S2S Transportation Group is structured to ensure that the contractor has the appropriate incentives to meet or exceed the long-term objectives of safety, reliability and capacity the MoT has set for the project. The Ministry of Transportation continues to own the road, rights-of-way, bridges and all other assets connected to the Sea-to-Sky Highway. MoT will oversee the project, ensuring that specifications such as highway width, number of lanes, safety requirements, sightline requirements and signage are appropriately met. S2S Transportation Group will construct highway improvements and maintain the system, as well as assuming most of the construction, maintenance and operation risks.

The Ministry of Transportation has utilized the private sector in designing, building and maintaining highways for decades. Experience with similar projects worldwide suggests that this type of arrangement results in better project definition, reduced delays, and more financial control, including fewer cost overruns.

 

COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS

S2S was selected to provide the best-value highway improvements through a competitive selection process and a rigorous evaluation of proposals. The multiple-stage competitive selection process was designed to result in the best highway improvement solution at the most competitive price in order to protect the public's investment over the long term..

The selection process is proposed to consist of three stages:

1. Registration of Interest (ROI)
2. Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
3. Request for Proposals (RFP)

As part of its commitment to public accountability, Partnerships British Columbia has released a project report on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation, explaining how value for money is expected to be achieved in the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project.

  • The Ministry of Transportation expects value for money to be achieved:
  • Due to a strong, competitive selection process;
  • Through the efficiencies gained by combining design, construction, operation and financing into one long-term contract, resulting in more accountability; and
  • By enabling the private sector to provide additional scope and improvements for a fixed price.

In all competitive selection processes, including public-private partnership contracts, the Province and Partnerships BC are committed to a high standard of public disclosure to demonstrate accountability and transparency.

- Information Bulletin (December 21, 2005)

- Project Report: Achieving Value For Money

For more information on Partnerships BC and the Achieving Value for Money Report, please click here.

 

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

The successful proponent shall develop, implement and maintain a QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM that documents activities carried out with respect to the contract. The QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM shall be certified to ISO9000 series requirements by an accredited certification organization agreed to by both parties. Certification shall be retained for the duration of the contract and processes put in place to ensure continuous improvements of the QMS.

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For general Information please call
the project office at: 604-775-1104
For Procurement Inquiries please contact:

seatosky@partnershipsbc.ca

 

For questions about the traffic schedule,
road closures or delays contact:

roadclosures and delays@seatoskyimprovements.ca