A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity (2012)

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88 A vital part of nighttime construction planning is developing the communication strategy for the project. Agencies must inform the motoring public about activities that will impact traffic, particularly nighttime traffic. The public should be informed of the time, location, duration, and type of work conducted. Efficient communication strategies help the public to understand the reasons for nighttime work, which alleviates many problems associated with nighttime construc- tion (Hancher and Taylor 2001). Prior to construction, agencies should develop strategies to ensure that relevant information pertaining to the nighttime construction work is disseminated to the public. Communications strategies include communicating with road users, the general public, area residences, and busi- nesses, as well as keeping appropriate public entities fully informed about the construction work zone and the implications for safety and mobility. Proactive communications are part of success- fully executing a nighttime construction project. Resource The FHWA provides communication strategy guidance in Chapter 2 of its Work Zone Public Information and Outreach Strategies guide (FHWA 2005a) at http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/info_ and_outreach/index.htm. The FHWA recommends that a public information and outreach campaign be developed and executed well before construction begins and monitored continuously throughout the life of the project. A well-planned and implemented communication campaign mitigates issues by warning drivers of work-zone locations and by supplying both pre-trip and en route information. Such information allows drivers to make knowledgeable choices about routes and when to travel. This FHWA guidebook can assist transportation agencies in planning and implementing effective communication strategies internally and externally. It focuses on measures taken to convey impor- tant information regarding the construction work zone, such as lane and shoulder closings, new traffic patterns, and traffic delay, as well as available travel alternatives, such as different routes and travel modes. Different communications means and strategies are needed to ensure that agencies employ best practices in conveying relevant information regarding nighttime construction. The Difference Between Daytime and Nighttime Communications The communication strategies for daytime and nighttime construction may be the same, but the use of specific strategies may depend on different factors. Important aspects to consider when choosing a communications strategy to disseminate nighttime information include the following: C H A P T E R 9 Communications

Communications 89 • Project location. • Size (extent or roads impacted). • Accessibility. • Work hours. • Traffic restrictions. If the nighttime construction covers a larger area (such as Interstates), possible communica- tion methods include websites, newspaper coverage, newsletters, and fliers or pamphlets. The information included should target a specific audience, such as trucking companies and frequent night travelers. Fliers or pamphlets should contain information regarding location and nature of the night work activity, including the expected impact on traffic patterns (e.g., x-minute delays can be expected). Any feasible suggestions for alternative travel patterns and routing should be pro- vided. Consequently, the specific work schedule (in hours and days) and the overall duration of the work should also be specified. If the project involves a night-only schedule, the public must know that daylight travel will be normal. This information can be distributed to trucking companies, and at rest areas and visitor information bureaus. When special events (such as ball games, concerts, and so forth) are near a nighttime construction location, information on detours, closures, and alternate routes should be publicized ahead of time to help mitigate traffic disruption. Communications Plan A public information plan is important and should include information such as different types of communication tools and means and methods to disseminate information to construc- tion personnel and stakeholders (internally) as well as to the public (externally). The informa- tion provided needs to be credible, accurate, and timely; and it needs to be updated continuously. It is best if the plan is developed in advance and the activities described managed and monitored by communications personnel or a public information officer. The communications strategy chosen should be able to cater to the majority of the traveling public, particularly regular users of the route. Communications should be started early to allow businesses and emergency service providers to develop appropriate contingency plans. The FHWA, through its Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program, has outlined several means and methods for communication strategies that are commonly used to disseminate project information to the public. One common approach is to implement effective branding developed specifically for the proj- ect. Project branding can take a variety of formats, which include, but are not limited to logos, distinctive project names, catchphrases, and “trademark” graphics. By branding in several for- mats, the target audience can recognize any information related or pertaining to the work zone more easily. In addition, the requirement of a brand on all official information assists the public in validating the accuracy of the information being issued. Several STAs, including the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and IDOT, have used an innovative approach to create public awareness for their road projects. The creation of an animated character named the Traffic Creep was part of the DelDOT public information campaign for the I-95 project in 2005 (see Figure 9.1). IDOT used the same approach by developing Jack Hammer for its I-74 project in Peoria (see Figure 9.2). WSDOT, on its I-90 project, created its Burl the Squirrel mascot to explain the planned improvements to I-90 in a user-friendly manner. These characters were used on a

90 A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity variety of public awareness materials, including their newsletters, website, and signs, as well as a costumed character at schools and community events. Types of Information Dissemination to the Public Whether the work performed at night is operation and maintenance work or regular con- struction activities, it is imperative for agencies to provide relevant information. Outreach cam- paigns generally incorporate three messages: • Safety first. • Plan ahead to minimize delay and frustration. • We care. Safety First The most important message is to encourage motorists to take safety precautions to protect themselves and highway workers. To prevent accidents, drivers should be reminded continuously to adhere to posted speed limits and to stay alert (for lane changes, slowing traffic, etc.). Figure 9.1. “Traffic Creep” character for I-95 project (Delaware DOT). Figure 9.2. “Jack Hammer” for I-74 project (Illinois DOT).

Communications 91 Plan Ahead to Minimize Delay and Frustration The disruptions caused by a work zone can be reduced if travelers plan ahead. In addition, if travelers know what to expect, they will be less frustrated about delays. Some of the information that should be disseminated includes the following: • Number of lane closures, duration, and length of closure. • Nighttime construction schedule, which includes description of the activity and the start and end of the activity. • Traffic maintenance and access information for the affected roads, which includes residents and businesses affected, alternate routes and detours, and a contact for further information. • Unusual traffic conditions (such as road obstructions) within 15 minutes of the affected areas. We Care Motorists are more willing to cope with disruptions and cooperate with directions when they feel all necessary steps are being taken to make things easier. Tips • Provide the most accurate, timely, appropriate, and up-to-date information. • Provide information that will help motorists navigate the construction work zone. Process and Procedures in Disseminating Information Once the decision to perform nighttime construction is made, begin planning—immediately— how to deliver the relevant information to internal staff and stakeholders, as well as to customer groups, which includes the traveling public. Internal Communications Within the agency and among project stakeholders, methods for managing and disseminating information include the following: • Phone calls and emails Important information on the nighttime construction project, such as location, alternate routes, detours, hours of operation and closure, as well as the contact information for the project, can either be delivered by phone calls to the relevant personnel at the site or can be e-mailed directly. • Discussions and meetings Discussions and meetings are conducted among agency personnel to deliver information and the current status on traffic control, construction, design, field, and other issues. If construc- tion work has an impact on access to certain facilities/main buildings, agencies should meet regularly to provide information about what will happen and the duration of activities. External Communications Information can be sent to the public in many different ways. It is crucial for agencies to adopt the most effective and suitable means to ensure the information is delivered effectively. Agencies and contractors should provide specific project information for the public, as well as respond to the public’s day-to-day needs and concerns. Following is a brief discussion of the essential elements of an effective external communica- tion plan.

92 A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity External Communication Matrix A useful tool when first starting external communications planning is to create a matrix (something like the one shown in Table 9.1). The rows of the matrix could list each of the possible groups affected and the columns could list all the possible information dissemination methods to use. Notations are then made under each method that might constitute an appropriate communications match for reaching that group, depending on the activity at hand. Resource The FHWA has a more-comprehensive list of possible ways to communicate in Work Zone Public Information and Outreach Strategies (FHWA 2005a) at http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/info_ and_outreach/sec2.htm#two6. All communication items should be included in communication planning, without regard to who is ultimately responsible for implementation, in an effort to promote a one-team, one- vision, and one-voice concept. The communications plan ultimately must be tied to the project’s activity schedule. Table 9.2 is a sample (or starter) template from WSDOT for developing an external communications plan that includes a column for when each activity occurs. Group Pu bl ic M ee tin gs Fl ie rs M ai lin gs D oo r to D oo r R ad io /T V W eb sit e So ci al M ed ia Te le ph on e H ot lin e Em ai l … Road users Local businesses Patrons Emergency personnel Taxpayers Local government officials Politicians … Table 9.1 Sample matrix for external communications planning. What Who How When With Stakeholders Identify stakeholders Conduct local agency briefings Determine future work anticipated or planned by local agencies With the Public Public involvement Project website STA contact with public Table 9.2. Starter template for external communications planning (WSDOT 2005).

Communications 93 Public Hearings/Meetings/Workshops Prior to construction, the FHWA recommends organizing public hearings or meetings in a convenient location for community members who are affected by the nighttime construction activities. Other events may include groundbreaking ceremonies, fairs, school assemblies, tours, and informational workshops. The purpose of these meetings is to update affected parties and resolve complaints, as well as give the affected parties an opening to gain knowledge about the project and convey information and concerns to the project partners. These events should be used to explain the reasons for night scheduling and to obtain comments and suggestions from the community. Public hearings and meetings are considered important, particularly when it comes to night- time construction. For example, construction noise that may be acceptable in daylight hours may be unacceptable at night. Therefore, if the public is fully informed about and prepared for the nighttime construction activity, negative public reaction may be mitigated. Interaction with the public can be the determining factor in the success of a public informa- tion/outreach campaign. To ensure that information is communicated effectively and is respon- sive to the public’s needs, it is the responsibility of the agency and contractors to obtain input regarding the nighttime construction activities. Besides receiving current progress and any updates or changes in the alternate routes and detours during these events, individuals can sign up to receive information about the project via project social networking sites, email, or websites. Some efforts that have been made by agencies include a series of workshops for the local businesses affected by the construction. For example, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), through its I-15 CORE project, held a series of workshops to help businesses get infor- mation about the project and create strategies for success during construction. During public hearings, meetings, or workshops, the FHWA recommends that agencies deliver project infor- mation via video, as it is an efficient way to give the public a clearer view of the intended outcome of the work in progress. Tip An agency phone number and address should be provided to the public to use for submitting comments or complaints. In the weeks preceding the actual start date of the construction, the public must be informed of what is going to happen, when it will occur, and how it is likely to affect specific locations. Telephone Hotline Agencies may implement a telephone hotline staffed by trained personnel who are knowledge- able about the nighttime construction activities. This should serve as a single point of contact for receiving community input as well as answering questions regarding the ongoing construc- tion-related activities, such as construction schedules, lane or street closures, and transportation alternatives (NJDOT 2007b). The hotline should be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the number should be publicized extensively. In addition, it should be handicap accessible (such as telecommunications device for the deaf or TDD) and free, as well as accessible both pre-trip and en route. An immediate response is preferable for all calls, although a voice mail option can be used. Tape-recorded messages can be used if the project information is updated frequently. Addition- ally, personal operators should be available for large projects or to return calls for questions that the taped message does not answer.

94 A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity The hotline should also be used to publicize public meetings, survey information, and for the public to leave comments and suggestions. Media Relations Disseminating information about nighttime construction, such as nighttime schedule, alter- nate routes, closure times, and detours, should be publicized through the news media. Press releases are recommended, especially when the nighttime construction involves a route with a high traffic volume or that affects major businesses and properties (see Figure 9.3). Key Take-Away As shown in Figure 9.3, be sure to include: • Warnings about nighttime construction. • Lane closures, duration (time), and length of closure (days). • Use of flaggers and traffic control measures. The California DOT (Caltrans) found that newspaper articles were the most effective means of communicating with the public. The frequency of press releases depends on the size, duration, and impact of the project. The agency’s public relations unit should be the point of contact to provide the information. (Faxes and email messages to selective distribution lists are common practices used by public relations departments to channel information to the press.) Figure 9.3. Local news coverage on a nighttime construction (Pennsylvania DOT).

Communications 95 Consequently, another option is paid advertising. This may be appropriate for major changes or closures on Interstates or other major routes. For example, the North Dakota DOT (NDOT) used paid advertising on the I-29 project in Fargo. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), on its I-64 weekend project, used newspaper advertisements as one of its communication tools to disseminate project information to the public. Advertisements can provide the audience with a brief idea on project progress and any other issues pertaining to the work. Finally, highway advisory radio (HAR) can be helpful, given that it broadcasts nonstop traf- fic information, 24 hours a day. However, due to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, the broadcasts have a very restricted range. Therefore, this type of communications method is recommended for travelers in a very small area. Contact Person/Communications Team To ensure proper and accurate information is distributed and public inquiries are addressed properly, it is imperative for agencies to have a contact person or a communications team to sup- port the nighttime construction. These professionals should handle all communications activi- ties, including the press, and be responsible to obtain accurate information from the contractor to disseminate to the public. Tip Be sure to have a knowledgeable person/team in charge and available at all times to provide accurate construction information to the media and the public. For large projects or long dura- tion projects this contact/team must be available 24/7. Tools for Disseminating Information Agencies will consider the use of many different tools to disseminate information regarding nighttime construction activities. Electronic Information Dissemination The methods of communication are quickly changing as more and more people access infor- mation using electronic resources. This includes information through computer sources, such as websites and social media, as well as television or radio commercials. Websites Websites and/or blogs are an excellent means of providing information about nighttime construction. According to the FHWA, websites can be used in two different ways to provide information about projects. For larger-scale projects that involve an entire state, district, or geo- graphic region, it is essential to provide relevant information on closures and alternate routes for travelers. For smaller projects, where information does not change frequently or little project information is of interest to the public, websites may also be beneficial. An example of a reconstruction project website, developed by the Texas DOT (TxDOT), that is attractive, informative, creative, and user friendly is shown in Figure 9.4. For larger complex projects, the standard practice is to have a website dedicated solely to the project. The information within this type of website may be either static or real-time informa- tion. Typical information would include text, traffic camera images, average travel times between points, photographs, maps, and links to other sources of information. The information on the website should be updated at least weekly and can be made interactive.

96 A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity An example of a popular website is the 511 Travel Information website for Iowa at www.511ia. org/. In July 2000, the FCC assigned 511 for nationwide access to travel information services. It is an automated traveler information system that helps commuters and travelers access infor- mation regarding weather-related road conditions, construction, and congestion, via the web or phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Agencies usually place the 511 logo on signs along the roadway as shown in Figure 9.5. The logo informs drivers that 511 service is available in an area. As of March 2005, 511 systems were operational in all or parts of 23 states, providing access to 511 services to almost 30 percent of the nation’s population (FHWA 2005b). The 511 system was found to be easily accessible, as calls can be made from almost anywhere at any time. The 511 websites contain information about projects such as lane closures, ramp/loop clo- sures, and roadway closures that impact traffic and travel conditions. Social Networking Sites (Facebook and Twitter) Social networking sites have experienced extraordinary popularity. To reach out to the net- working portion of the public, agencies should make full use of social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Individuals are free to explore these sites, and agencies may conduct interactive sessions with individuals for question and answer (Q&A) sessions about the nighttime construction activi- ties. For example, TxDOT has used social media (Twitter) in its San Antonio District to deploy construction information rapidly at http://twitter.com/txdotsanantonio. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) utilizes Twitter and Facebook to provide real-time information about detours and restrictions, notices when there are travel delays and construction impacts, and alerts with holiday travel information, construction schedule changes, and completed major milestones for U.S. Highway 93 roadwork. Figure 9.5. The 511 travel information logo (FHWA 2005b). Figure 9.4. Sample project website developed by TxDOT.

Communications 97 Commercials (Radio and Television) Some agencies, such as the KYTC on its I-64 project, used creative radio commercials to describe some of the consequences of being stuck on the Interstate during weekday construc- tion when it was done instead of the weekend closures. These commercials put a positive spin on the decision to avoid the heaviest traffic by performing the construction over the weekend. Key Take-Away Information gathered on the progress or changes that occur during nighttime construction needs to be posted immediately on the project’s public website and social networking sites. Email The use of email message lists is one of the simplest ways to communicate and the primary cost is just the time to write the message that goes to multiple individuals. Once a list of email addresses is obtained (from public hearings or other sources) mass email can be sent out with targeted information about the nighttime work activities and the effect on traffic patterns. KYTC recommends that email list services send traffic and construction information out at around 6 a.m. and before 4 p.m. to the public. When users register for the KYTC service, they can select a list of roads of interest and receive specific information regarding those roads (Hancher and Taylor 2001). Some agencies provide on their official websites a sign-up form for email alerts regarding a road construction project. Users who sign up may receive a variety of information, such as work- zone activity and traffic delays, lane closures, and incident/crash information. The information can also be sent to all types of personal digital/data assistant (PDA) devices. Printed Materials Fliers, brochures, pamphlets, fact sheets, maps, and newsletters are other common methods used to disseminate project information. When using the newsletter as a public information and outreach strategy, it is crucial to set a consistent timeframe for producing new editions. Estab- lishing a consistent timeframe helps ensure that producing the newsletter does not “fall through the cracks” and lets readers know when to look for the next issue (FHWA 2005a). Frequent updates are necessary if project details are constantly changing. Printed materials can be hand delivered; mailed; placed for pickup at stores, welcome centers, truck stops, and the like; placed in newspapers; or distributed door to door. In addition, the materials can be posted as a downloadable document on the project or agency’s website. These materials should be brief but loaded with relevant information, such as upcoming proj- ect phases, events, and other important work-zone details, together with the contact person for more information. The critical parts are advance notification and information regarding night- time construction and how it will have an impact on travel. Figure 9.6 is an example of nighttime construction information in the form of a “special notice.” Project “brand,” which may include eye-catching graphics, project logos, photographs, and maps, can help make printed materials an effective medium for distributing the information and for promoting project websites, telephone hotlines, and other media. Printed items should be distributed to the public frequently, or as needed, and they can be mailed or sent electronically using email to individuals who have signed up to receive information.

98 A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity Fact sheets (Figure 9.7) or brochures, as well as fliers, should contain the following basic proj- ect information: • Project overview. • Reasons for improvement. • Description of project phases with color-coding related to a map. • Impacts to traffic. Figure 9.6. Sample information regarding nighttime construction activities in a “special notice” (City of San Diego 2008).

Communications 99 • Detours and alternate routes for travelers/regular traffic. • Sources of up-to-date project information. • A message from the city/authority (governor/mayor). Other Methods Establishing collaboration with local agencies is another effective way to disseminate informa- tion. Short broadcasts using public access channels, local news, or radio can be beneficial to reach Figure 9.7. Fact sheet for a road project in Oregon (FHWA 2001).

100 A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity a larger audience and surrounding areas. If necessary, presentations and tours of the work may be arranged in an effort to reach public and community groups. The Automated Work Zone Information Systems (AWIS) is another way to manage demand in and around highway construction work zones. According to the FHWA publication Man- aging Demand through Travel Information Services, AWIS typically gathers real-time traffic information in work zones using radar sensors and video cameras located along the roadway (FHWA 2005b). These data are used to determine, automatically or by operations personnel, traffic speeds, backup locations, and queue lengths, as well as the location of incidents causing traffic to slow or stop. Together with other data, such as work-zone schedules, information is then provided to travelers about road/lane closures, times of construction, travel time through work zones, incident information and warnings, and detour information. Transportation agencies may consider establishing an information center for large, long-term work zones. The information center serves as a contact point for travelers, as well as a medium to disseminate information. The FHWA recommends that the project information center be located in an area with high foot traffic in the general vicinity of the work-zone location (FHWA 2005b). As guidance, the FHWA (2005a) has developed a table of comparisons based on different types of communication strategies that can be implemented for work-zone public information and outreach programs. Table 9.3 summarizes and compares different types of communication strategies across numerous aspects: communications strategy, target audience, benefits of differ- ent strategies, issues pertaining to each strategy, applicability, and timing, as well as the strategies’ relative costs for nighttime projects. The information in Table 9.3 needs to be taken into consideration when planning to dissemi- nate project information. The relative costs are presented as low/medium/high, given that actual costs depend on the scope of the strategy and location and will vary across different regions of the country. Conclusions Effective communications are essential in making nighttime construction work proceed smoothly with fewer social impacts. Many communication methods are available to dissemi- nate information regarding construction activities. All of the communication methods listed in Table 9.1 (as well as many others) may be used for nighttime construction and Table 9.3 presents an effectiveness evaluation of multiple methods. Agencies should keep the public informed about project location, duration, type of work, and benefits of the project. Information must be correct, as credibility is affected if a message is inaccurate. Information may be provided to the local media (e.g., newspaper, television, and radio) in the form of press releases in advance of the start of night work. Frequently, local stations will include information about planned and active closures in their regularly-scheduled traffic-monitoring broadcasts. Today, information can be disseminated easily and rapidly through the use of electronic tools, such as websites, social networking sites, email messages, and messaging signs placed on site to reach targeted audiences. Still, pamphlets, newsletters, and public service announcements are helpful to ensure that the surrounding community receives current, reliable, and updated infor- mation regarding the nighttime construction.

Strategy Primary Target Audience Benefits Issues Timing Relative Cost to Project Websites • Pre-trip travelers • Most other audiences • Access to real-time information • Ability to access all project- related materials in one place • May be easy to update • Target audience needs to be aware of the website • May not reach the entire target audience (excludes people without an Internet connection) • Information needs to be current and accurate • Cost will vary based on complexity of website • May need to create mechanisms to collect data/ information to feed the site • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Low/ medium Email alerts • Pre-trip travelers • En route travelers • Commuters • Commercial drivers • Low cost • Can reach many people at one time • Audience is limited to those people who sign up for the service • Need to determine criteria for when to send alerts • Construction Low Brochures/ fliers/ factsheets/ newsletters • Local travelers • Commuters • Commercial drivers • Residents • Low cost • Easy to distribute • Information can become stale quickly • Often targets local motorists only • Needs to be designed in a manner that makes drivers want to read the information • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Low/ medium Public meetings/ task forces/ workshops/ events • Local travelers • Major trip generators • Residents • Businesses • Public officials • Major employers • Local agencies • Good exposure to the public • Gives agency a chance to raise credibility with the public • Gives public a chance to voice its concerns • Need to make sure the right audience is at the events • Need to be wary of making “empty promises” • Pre-construction • Construction Low Table 9.3. Major characteristics of communication strategies (FHWA 2005a). (continued on next page)

Table 9.3. (Continued) Strategy Primary Target Audience Benefits Issues Timing Relative Cost to Project Paid newspaper advertising • Local travelers (pre-trip) • Commercial drivers (pre-trip) • Major trip generators • Residents and small businesses • Can reach many people at one time • The same ad can be used in many different newspapers • Agency controls the content and timing of the message • May only target local motorists • Newspaper readers may skip over ads • Declining readership of print media • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Medium/ high Newspaper articles • All local audiences • Can reach many people at one time • May only target local motorists • Project may not be portrayed favorably • Coverage more likely for major projects • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Low Paid TV advertising • Pre-trip travelers • Local travelers • In rare cases, non- local travelers • Can reach many people at one time • Agency controls the content and timing of the message • May only target local motorists • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Medium/ high TV traffic news • Pre-trip travelers • Local travelers • Can reach many people at one time • Little to no cost • May only target local motorists • Coverage more likely for major projects • Construction Low Paid radio advertising • Pre-trip travelers • En route drivers • Can reach many people at one time • Agency controls the content and timing of the message • Targets people who are most likely to use the information • May only target local motorists • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Medium/ high Radio traffic news • Pre-trip travelers • Local travelers • Can reach a lot of people at one time • Little to no cost • Targets people who are likely to use the information • May only target local motorists • Coverage more likely for major projects • Construction Low

Strategy Primary Target Audience Benefits Issues Timing Relative Cost to Project Maps • Drivers, pre-trip and en route • Low cost • Can post online and have available in hard copy • May only reach a lim ited audience, depending on how they are dissem inated • Construction Low Employee newsletters • Major employers • Innovative way of reaching commuters • Need to ensure inform ation is accurate • Need to target the appropriate em ployers • Pre-construction • Construction Low CB radio network • Truck drivers • Reaches the truck driving community • Provides information to truck drivers who may be co mi ng fro m out of the area • Users need to have access to CB • Messages need to be worded in a manner that makes drivers listen • Need criteria for when to disseminate messages • Construction Low Billboards • Drivers en route • Provides information directly to mo torists affected by the project • Can refer m otorists to other sources of inform ation • Can only provide a limited amount of information • Infor ma tion needs to be current • May be better for longer term projects • Pre-construction • Construction Medium Information center or kiosk • All audiences • Provides direct access to information and people to talk to about the project • May reach non-local drivers • Needs to be located close to project area in an easy to access location • Inform ation centers need to be staffed • Infor ma tion needs to be current • Pre-construction • Construction Low/ medium/ high Project hotline/ 511 System • Pre-trip travelers • Drivers en route • Inform ation can be accessed whenever it is needed • Can allow motorists to provide feedback via recorded me ssage • May be easy to update • Infor ma tion needs to be current • Audience needs to be aware of the hotline num ber • 511 is not available in all areas • Construction Low/ me dium Dynamic message signs (DMSs) • Drivers en route • Provides information directly to mo torists affected by the project • Can provide detour information • Messages need to be easy to read • Signs need to be placed appropriately • Inform ation should be useful and accurate • Construction Low/ medium/ high (continued on next page)

Strategy Primary Target Audience Benefits Issues Timing Relative Cost to Project Highway advisory radio (HAR) • Drivers en route • Easy to access • Provides information directly to motorists • Motorists may not be aware of HAR • Information needs to be current • Should only be used when there is information to give • Limited range • Construction Low Press kit • Media outlets • Allows consistent message to be given to the media • Helps develop positive relationship with media • Should be made available to all types of media • Information needs to be in a format that makes it easy to reuse for articles, ads, etc. • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Low/ medium Business survival kit • All businesses • Allows consistent message to be given to businesses • Helps develop positive relationship with affected businesses • Needs to target the appropriate businesses • Needs to not minimize the importance of businesses' needs during the project • Pre-construction • Construction Low/ medium Branding • All audiences • Helps convey a consistent message and image on all project materials • Makes project materials easily recognizable • Should be easily understood and easy to remember • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Medium Videos • All audiences • Can illustrate the before, during, and after of the project • Can give viewers close-up details about the project • Can be shown in various locations (schools, public meetings, information centers, etc.) • Helps convey a consistent message about the project • Quality videos can be expensive to produce • Information can quickly become stale • May require a lot of up front planning (script writing, storyboarding, etc.) • Pre-construction • Construction • Post-construction Medium/ high Table 9.3. (Continued)