The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure (MHI) is continually exploring ways to improve the way we do business. Innovation helps us respond to the changing environment in which we operate. The Innovation Pipeline (TIP) is a new tool that will help us to innovate together. MHI is currently using TIP for innovation challenges to help us solve problems and come up with innovative solutions on a wide array of issues.
To this end, MHI is seeking input from key stakeholders using this new tool and are in the process of planning an innovation challenge to address the issue of late season paving.
MHI will be reaching out to members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) to seek their participation in this upcoming innovation challenge.
A request (sent via email) will be sent out to SHCA members for participation in this innovation challenge. MHI is seeking one (1) participant from each organization/company of SHCA to participate in this TIP challenge.
More information about the challenge is below.
Context
Each year, contractors are faced with challenges when striving to complete their paving work in the late fall months when the days are shorter, and the temperatures are cooler. Our current specifications have temperature limitations to ensure adequate bonding – to reduce the risk of slip failures, density and joint density. This past season the temperature limitations were lowered, however, anticipated outcomes were not achieved. This innovation challenge will seek out other ideas that can be considered by MHI for implementation.
Goal
The end-goal is to allow for late season paving while still producing quality asphalt concrete and to ensure the safety of the travelling public is paramount. This innovation challenge is aligned to the MHI’s strategic goals of improved road conditions and improved safety supporting the vision: Transportation – Connecting Saskatchewan to the world.
Challenge outcome
All ideas submitted will help inform the solution that the MHI will adopt for late season pavements, beginning as early as Fall 2020.
SHCA members are asked to indicate their interest in participating in the challenge before Fri., Feb. 21. The tentative start date for the challenge will be in March 2020.
Click here to download the information package.