In 2018, the New York State Department of Transportation initiated a project to rehabilitate the 79th Street bridge over the Gowanus Expressway (I-278). This rehabilitation project complements recent improvements to the I-278 corridor and is taking place simultaneously with a large New York City School Construction Authority undertaking at adjacent PS 129, as well as New York City Department of Transportation’s bike lane improvements to the area.
Community Outreach
Melissa Johnson Associates is responsible for public outreach on behalf of the New York State Department of Transportation for the agency’s initiative to rehabilitate the 79th Street Bridge over I-278 in Brooklyn. MJA’s community liaison works closely with many stakeholders, including PS 129, Brooklyn Community Board 10, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, representatives from New York City Council and New York State Assembly, NYPD, and local residents, businesses, and commuters.
Melissa Johnson Associates developed a public outreach plan on behalf of NYSDOT, which outlined the goals and objectives of the agency, provided steps for early and frequent community outreach, identified project stakeholders, and anticipated stakeholder and community issues and responses. MJA was brought onto NYSDOT’s project team during the design phase, and the project was designed with the community in mind. During construction, a temporary bridge at 79th Street will accommodate vehicular and pedestrian traffic, minimizing impacts to the local community and motorists.