Throughout design and construction, Melissa Johnson Associates ensured that the project team maintained good relationships with the local community to achieve NYSDOT's goals of complementing improvements to the I-278 corridor and creating an improved riding surface for motorists and pedestrians. Through regular updates, notices, and grassroots outreach, Melissa Johnson Associates updated all stakeholders on the progress of construction, including commuters, residents, businesses, pedestrians, and connected agencies. MJA's community liaison was also responsible for ensuring that the project team maintained good relationships with the community adjacent to the field office and staging area in Staten Island.

Highlight: Transport of Pre-Cast Concrete Beams

This rehabilitation project was designed with the community in mind. To minimize disruptions, the contractor removed the existing roadway in sections and used precast concrete beams to reduce the use of equipment on site. In the summer of 2019, the beams were transported to the site (see video below) and lifted into place in the evening, which resulted in minimal lane closures on the SIE, fewer daily work operations, and less disruptions for local residents and commuters.