Following recent criticism of Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting’s response to winter maintenance, Mainroad Group’s President and CEO Peter Ashcroft travelled to Cranbrook last week to review East Kootenay winter operations and to meet with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and local stakeholders.

Since being awarded the new contract in April 2016, Mainroad has re-structured its operations to meet the new service requirements and has made a significant investment in new maintenance yards and a new fleet of trucks exceeding $10 million dollars, the company stated in a Dec. 21 press release.

During the weeklong visit, Ashcroft reviewed the winter operations and gained an understanding of the issues facing the Mainroad team.

“Even though we are the incumbent contractor, there are many changes to the new contract and our operations to satisfy that contract. With that comes a lot of moving parts to manage and even with the best laid plans there are always things that are unforeseen and don’t go as expected,” Ashcroft stated.

“Many of the mobilization issues are now solved and I apologize to those people affected. With these issues, there may be a misconception by a few members of the public that now we have the renewed the contract for the next seven years, we can take the foot off the gas and pull back on service levels to minimize cost. Let me assure everyone that Mainroad is committed to serving the East Kootenay travelling public,” he said.

“Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting employees are very dedicated – they live in the communities they serve and want to do a great job. With the new equipment, technology and yard locations, we are committed to giving our employees the resources and support they need to deliver this contract. When things don’t go right, we all take it personally,” Ashcroft said.

In securing the new contract, Mainroad is responsible to meet updated specifications for snow and ice control. These contract specifications can be viewed HERE.

“The East Kootenay Highways maintenance contract is extremely important to Mainroad and I really appreciate and thank the public for all their support, we are determined to satisfy our obligations and we’re here for the long haul,” Ashcroft concluded.

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