Construction Communications

Communication is an expectation Inform our customers about improvement projects Raise awareness of: Construction zone locations Type of work Alternate routes Construction timetable Impacts to traffic

Audiences Business owners, residents, property owners Motorists, pedestrians Media Legislators, local officials Law enforcement and emergency services General public

How we communicate is changing Expectations from the public are higher than ever New tools make the process easier, faster, more complex and ACCURACY is essential because communication is immediate

News media Stories break by the minute via the Web, text messages, tweets, Facebook Less defined media roles

Reporters Young reporters who move from topic to topic; not necessarily experts in any field Talk radio Citizen journalists Bloggers/tweeters Anything you say in public could show up in media (and likely will)

Construction communication expectations Timely, accurate information WisDOT staff serve as spokespersons Please direct all media and legislative contacts to the RCM Please keep the RCM informed of developing or potential issues Communicate with contractors

Weekly construction update Highway: McCleary Bridge, located on Marathon County N Location: Robin Lane to Lake Street Schedule: September 2003 to April 2005 Cost: $8.7 million Description: Urban reconstruction and replacement of McCleary Bridge Traffic Impact: Roadway open to traffic during construction. Motorists should expect minor delays. Short-term northbound lane closures expected during the week of June 14. Work completed since last update: American Asphalt placed asphalt in the medians and along the guardrail. Van Ert completed placing the signal lights at the intersection of Marathon County N/Marathon County NN. Van Ert turned the signals light on in flashing yellow mode for Marathon County N and flashing red mode for Marathon County NN. Anticipated work schedule for the next week or so: Van Ert plans to resume work on the streetlights on the bridge. Sommers plans to continue forming and pouring the bridge approaches, sidewalk, and curb and gutter.

When to send an update At least one week prior to construction starting Every week after an update by close of business Wednesdays (5 p.m.)

Send update to RCM - Kristin McHugh Communications specialist- Samantha Cypher WisDOT project manager Project development supervisor Updates are not for external distribution

What happens to the update information? All state highway project updates are combined into one release, which is sent out on Thursdays Release is sent to media, legislators, WisDOT Web site, and others Some information may be sent through 511 Twitter account

Important weekly update reminders updates only, please Information in the update is a preview of what will happen next week Keep traffic impact information easy to understand

Thank you Questions?