As part of the fourth phase of improvements to the Kew Gardens Interchange, this $365 million NYSDOT design-build initiative will reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic at one of New York’s most complex intersections. The Kew Gardens Interchange provides access to the Grand Central Parkway, Jackie Robinson Parkway, Union Turnpike, and Van Wyck Expressway, and links the area to John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

Melissa Johnson Associates is responsible for outreach to all stakeholders, including the community board, elected officials, residents, motorists, and pedestrians. The project surrounds four distinct communities: Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Briarwood, and Forest Hills, each of which has different stakeholders with diverse concerns about local changes and impacts.

Melissa Johnson Associates’ dedicated community liaison works with the project team to issue travel advisories and alert motorists of detours and closures on various roadways and ramps at the interchange, and also to alert residents and businesses of local impacts to city streets and parking. Through open lines of communication, the community liaison also ensures that work activities resulting in noise and traffic delays are coordinated and communicated with local residents and motorists. The successful community outreach program implemented on this project also involves coordination with a variety of city and state agencies, including NYCDOT, NYCDPR, and Department of Sanitation, to streamline work activities and ensure the best outcomes for NYSDOT and its consultants.