Industries ask Winnipeg for background information on proposed changes to asphalt specifications
Representatives from ACEC-MB, MHCA and UDI to the spec review technical sub-committee have asked the City of Winnipeg’s Public Works department for background information before they can offer informed comments and concerns to proposed asphalt paving specification changes.
The request was made following a December 18 meeting of technical sub-committee representatives from ACEC-MB, MHCA and UDI to review the draft document provided by the City.
The specification changes are wide-ranging.
The formal process for consultations, approved in October 2023 to guide specification review discussions between the City and industries, calls for detailed background information being provided by any proponent – public or private – requesting a change. That includes:
- Reason for the changes
- What situation this change addresses
- Implications of the change including constraints, schedule, quality and benefits to the City
- Assessment of cost impacts
- Any related sustainability, engineering and environmental considerations
The process includes a technical sub-committee’s review, after which recommendations are forwarded to a Specification Review Working Group, composed of City, ACEC-MB, MHCA and UDI representatives.
The industries hope to see the additional information early January, allowing for technical sub-committee’s review and submission to Public Works ahead of the first meeting of the full technical sub-committee.
“The private sector is grateful for the process being introduced and looks forward to working with Public Works to advance improved design specifications,” said Chris Lorenc, MHCA President & CEO.”
The MHCA has also asked Public Works and it has agreed to meet early next year to talk about how the 2023 construction season rolled out and to look at the Public Works and the Water & Waste capital program planned for 2024.
MHCA’s topics for discussion include allowing for flexible construction start dates, reviewing the calculation of working days and penalties & bonuses.
