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Cement Associations applaud MTO decision

April 26, 2012  By  Andrew Macklin


April 26, 2012, Ottawa, ON – 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.

April 26, 2012, Ottawa, ON – 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.

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"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.


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