The New York State Department of Transportation has initiated the Hunts Point Interstate Access and Improvement Project (Contract 2) as part of an overall undertaking to improve access to and from the Hunts Point Peninsula and Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. The project will improve operations at the Bruckner/Sheridan interchange, and address infrastructure deficiencies on the Bruckner Expressway viaduct, ramps and truss bridge over Amtrak. Contract 2 focuses on the Bruckner Expressway between 141st Street and Barretto Street, including the construction of new ramp structures to and from Leggett Avenue.

Melissa Johnson Associates developed the public outreach plan for the project, identifying opportunities for strategic engagement with the local community, and proactively addressing potential disruptions to communities and commuters. Throughout construction, the project’s full-time community liaison works with the design-build team to ensure that construction impacts are minimized and communicated to all stakeholders.

MJA is responsible for communicating travel impacts to motorists and changes in routine to local residents and businesses. The firm regularly communicates with representatives from the Hunts Point Market and small businesses on and near the Hunts Point peninsula. The project community liaison also works with the design-build team to ensure that the project team coordinates with other agencies, including Amtrak and representatives from nearby NYCDOT and MTA construction projects.