Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

D1−4: Partnering with the Local Community on Project Planning

DESCRIPTION:

When developing a project plan for a roadway construction project, it is important to consider the impacts that the work zone will have on the surrounding community. By partnering with the local community early in the planning process, potential impacts can be discussed and plans for traffic mitigation can be developed with the support of the community. Wisconsin DOT (WisDOT) did extensive partnering for the Marquette Interchange Project, a major four−year reconstruction project in downtown Milwaukee that greatly affected the surrounding area – the students and faculty of Marquette University in particular. The Interchange links Interstate 94, Interstate 43, and Interstate 794 and the project involved major work to modernize the four−level interchange to a five−level interchange. Through frequent meetings and an interactive website devoted to the project, WisDOT communicated with the university and local community throughout the entire process, developing a construction plan that met both the needs of the university community and the work zone project.

One of the outcomes of bringing the local community into the planning process was the development of several communication strategies to ensure that construction information was disseminated to the community in a timely manner. Communications strategies included the development of an interactive website with mapping, traffic bug alerts, closure schedules, and real−time traffic flow, and printed materials (brochures, get−around guides). These products provided the local community and visitors with reliable information to help them make the decision to either avoid the construction or allow extra time for travel.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

By coordinating with the local community early and often throughout the project planning and implementation process, potential impacts to the surrounding community can be discussed, traffic mitigation strategies can be developed, and design decisions can be made with the input and support of those who will be impacted by the construction.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The impacts of the construction on the public were mitigated as much as possible. Surveys were conducted throughout the project proving that the information provided to the public was more than adequate and very helpful in coping with the disruption of the work zone.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Work zones that will cause great disruption and impact the surrounding area.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Wisconsin

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

David Nguyen, P.E., Division Major Project Manager, Wisconsin DOT
Phone: (262) 548−6725
E−mail: david.nguyen@dot.wi.gov