Ontario Ministry of Transportation Direction to Extend Alternative Bid Tendering to Arterial Roads Applauded

Concrete pavements bids will now be accepted for non-freeway projects with a lower truck traffic threshold

OTTAWA, April 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) and the Ready-Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario (RMCAO) today applauded the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on its decision to extend the alternative bid criteria to its arterial, non-freeway roads. The decision means that concrete bids will now be accepted for the construction and reconstruction of these roads, as an alternate option to traditional asphalt bids.

"This is good news for Ontarians," said John D. Hull, President of the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario. "Concrete pavements are sustainable pavements and present a lower total cost of ownership than their asphalt alternative, because they are more durable and require significantly less maintenance and rehabilitation. Today, concrete roads are also competitive on initial construction costs, and increasingly so due to the ever rising cost of raw materials required for asphalt roads. Both of these factors make concrete a sound value for taxpayers now and over time. Furthermore, concrete pavements better serve the public since they require less frequent maintenance activities and thus significantly reduce traffic disruption."

The ten most recent alternative bids tendered by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) have all been awarded to the concrete pavement option, saving the province well over $45 million dollars when compared to the lowest asphalt bids.

"We applaud Minister Chiarelli and the Ministry of Transportation for recognizing the undeniable economic, environmental and performance benefits of concrete pavements and taking action to allow more concrete bids to be considered for our roads," said Michael McSweeney, President and CEO of the Cement Association of Canada.

Renowned for its safety, durability and resiliency, concrete is also energy efficient, recyclable and cost effective. It is produced locally, benefiting local economies and the environment. Concrete pavements further contribute to lowering our communities' carbon footprint by reducing the "heat island" effect thanks to their light color and lowering fuel consumption and energy emissions by heavy trucks.

The cement and concrete industries employ over 16,000 Ontarians and generate over $6 billion of economic activity in the province.

About the Cement Association of Canada
The Cement Association of Canada represents cement manufacturers across Canada, including Ontario.  Ontario cement manufacturers include Essroc Italcementi Group, Federal White Cement, Holcim Canada, Lafarge Canada and St. Marys Cement Group.

About the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario
The Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario represents Ontario's concrete industry. It provides far reaching technical and marketing support, education and awareness for all applications of concrete across all construction sectors.

Lyse Teasdale
Director, Communications
Cement Association of Canada 
[email protected]
T: 613-236-9471; ext. 211
www.cement.ca
   
Mick Prieur, P.Eng
Senior Pavement Engineer
Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario
[email protected] 
T: 905 507-1122; ext. 225