In 2020, the New York State Department of Transportation initiated a contract to reconstruct several bridge structures in Westchester County, including East Lincoln Avenue over Hutchinson River Parkway and the Hutchinson River; the Saw Mill River Parkway bridges over the Saw Mill River, and the U.S. Route 1 bridge over the Mamaroneck River. The project, which also includes drainage improvements and reconstruction of roadways prone to flooding, will enhance safety and resiliency in Westchester County.

Melissa Johnson Associates is responsible for coordinating with the local communities and municipalities surrounding the bridges to inform stakeholders of potential construction impacts. The community outreach scope includes managing concerns from a variety of stakeholders, including municipal officials from Mount Vernon, Pelham, Mount Pleasant, and Mamaroneck, as well as local schools, adjacent public projects, residents, businesses, motorists, bus patrons, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The bridges are located in historic districts and adjacent to historic structures and an environmentally-sensitive area, all of which require extensive coordination with special interest groups, community groups, and civic organizations. MJA’s full-time community liaison assigned to the project works closely with the NYSDOT design-build team to develop travel advisories, construction notices, and press releases in accordance with NYSDOT’s procedures and protocols.