The vendor is required to provide highway gateway signs design, supply and installation services for include:
a. Design services
• Develop a minimum of three (3) distinct conceptual designs of ‘gateway sign features’ for consideration by the project team
• Ensure concepts comply with ministry of transportation's (MTO) book 8, considering: foundation, dimensions, materials, lighting options, and safety standards
• Coordinate with town staff to present design options to strategic initiatives committee seeking feedback and project direction from members of council
• Provide complete engineered drawings with structural details, row analysis, safety compliance, and installation specifications for council-approved design
b. Site assessment & analysis
• Conduct comprehensive site visits to determine optimal placement and visibility, evaluate environmental factors, identify potential utility conflicts, safety concerns and confirm compliance with setback requirements
• Analyze specific environmental conditions such as wind loads, soil conditions, groundwater levels, and potential frost action that may affect structural stability
• Perform detailed geotechnical assessments in accordance with the state ministry of transportation's (MTO) guideline for foundation engineering services as required
• Document subsurface conditions, bearing capacities, and foundation requirements necessary to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the gateway signs
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings (and site plans if needed) clearly indicating foundation specifications, structural details, and compliance with applicable MTO and code standards through the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) – this is only required for the preferred option endorsed by council
• Gateway sign locations are identified clearly in annex 2 (northern sign) and annex 3 (southern sign).
• Further coordination with MTO will continue through the permitting and approval phase
c. Permitting
• Confirm acceptance of proposed sign locations with the county and act as town's authorized representative to secure all permits
• Prepare and submit detailed applications to the ministry of transportation (MTO), including sign design, dimensions, structural details, lighting, and exact location
• Ensure signs meet all MTO and AHJ requirements for setback, visibility, and safety
• Obtain approvals from relevant conservation authorities and the electrical safety authority (ESA) as required
• Maintain communication with local and provincial stakeholders to resolve any concerns promptly
• Follow all conditions outlined in permits, including construction schedules, scope of work, and traffic management requirements
• Keep detailed records of all permitting processes, approvals, and correspondence, and provide regular progress updates to the town
• Consult with agency building department to ensure structural compliance, despite the exemption from the municipal sign by-law – see next section for details
c. Fabrication and installation
• Prepare and submit engineered drawings stamped by a licensed structural engineer, including all load-bearing elements, anchoring systems, and wind load calculations per CSA s6-19
• Provide a geotechnical investigation (if required), demonstrating compliance with frost protection, soil-bearing capacity, and foundation embedment depth as outlined in MTO’S guideline for foundation engineering services and code part 4 & 9
• Ensure concrete specifications meet or exceed OPSS 1350 and that all steel reinforcement complies with OPSS 905
• Adhere to safety and clearance standards outlined in MTO book 8, ensuring appropriate sign placement, setback distances, and visibility for highway 400
• Use protective coatings on exposed steel foundation elements, especially 600 mm below to 1000 mm above ground, to mitigate corrosion as per MTO standards
• Maintain clear documentation of all technical specifications, inspections, and compliance reports throughout construction for review by the chief building official and approval agencies
• Coordinate with town staff to verify installation methods, including underground locates, construction sequencing, and final “as-built” GPS location data for municipal asset records
• Prepare sites in accordance with permit requirements and manufacture signage to approved specifications
1. Breakaway, yielding, or shielded supports
• Breakaway supports: these supports are engineered to fracture or bend upon impact, thereby mitigating the severity of damage to the vehicle and its occupants
• Yielding supports: designed to flex, these supports allow the vehicle to pass over them, reducing the impact force
• Shielded supports: these supports are safeguarded by barriers or crash cushions to prevent direct collision.
2. Compliance with standards
• NCHRP 350: ground sign supports must adhere to the crashworthiness criteria established in the national cooperative highway research program (NCHRP) report 350
• MASH criteria: alternatively, supports can comply with the manual for assessing safety hardware (MASH) criteria
3. Material and design specifications
• Wood posts: posts exceeding 4x4 inches in size must be drilled to ensure they break away upon impact.
• Steel posts: commonly used steel posts include u-channel, square, round tube, and I-beam designs, each conforming to crash standards.
d. Contract administration & documentation
• Attend all scheduled meetings (virtual or in-person as required)
• Provide detailed bi-weekly progress updates
• Coordinate inspections, reporting, and deficiency resolutions
• Submit "as-built" drawings and photo documentation
• Ensure all activities remain within approved right-of-way
• Provide work schedules with hazard assessments upon request
• Submit "as-built" documentation within one month of installation
• Deliver final project close-out report with maintenance expectations.
- The Town is working with a budget of $294,000 excluding taxes.
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: May 02, 2025