The MHCA and industry representatives have asked for discussions with City of Winnipeg officials as they work to adjust to the new road-building specifications. The discussions centre on the use of crushed concrete in the base and sub-base in road works.
“Suppliers of crushed concrete have worked diligently and cooperatively with the City to adjust to the new specifications on testing of the material properties,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc says. “There remains work to be done, but we think there can be a workable solution to ensure the materials meet the standards the City has set out.”
This year is the first construction season the new specifications have been employed. Some modifications to the specifications originally proposed to take effect were made shortly before the construction season got underway.
The aggregate base and sub-base materials are now subject to many more tests, which are done more frequently, to be approved. Crushed concrete was permitted on residential streets and laneways, and suppliers continue to work to be approved through the City’s quality-control process.
“The new specs are dramatically different from the last specs. It will take effort, time and field experience for crushed concrete suppliers, working with the City’s participation and cooperation, to make the necessary production adjustments,” Lorenc says.