In one location where the ICC’s typical 300-ft-wide right-of-way shrinks by more than a third, a 680-ft-long stretch is depressed and covered with more than 160 box girders, forming a “deckover” that will be topped with landscaping and a street crossing.
Outreach Campaign
Nevertheless, the project remains controversial among opponents and residents still adjusting to seeing the unused open space behind their homes transformed into a modern highway. “The ICC brings a new level of vulnerability and exposure, particularly in today’s environment,” Baker says. “We know that any mistake will quickly make it out to the mainstream [media].” Consequently, the teams have coordinated an extensive public outreach campaign that includes community talks, detailed announcements and an information-rich website. Peters often responds to inquiries and complaints herself.
Environmental teams provide long-range neighborhood alerts of impending high-noise construction activity. In cases when noisy nighttime work is unavoidable, the closest residents are offered free lodging at a nearby hotel.
“We try not to let any condition reach the point where it will generate complaints,” Peters says. “Being proactive and constantly aware is a much better way to address public concerns and build goodwill.”
| • Stone- and sand-filled underground storage filters are installed beneath travel lanes to minimize the land used. |
| • These filters collect and cool runoff to 68º F and below, the preferred temperature for native fish populations. Many of the filters are larger than design specs. |
| • Extensive real-time monitoring of turbidity and flow conditions of major streams ensures that water leaving the site is as clean or cleaner than when it entered. |
| • On-site enclosed sediment-removal pumping systems are used for winter operations. |
| • Placement of shredded mulch between double layers of a silt fence provides extra filtration of sediment-laden water. |
| • Temporary bridges over streams accommodate both earthmoving equipment and cranes. |
| • Accelerated stabilization of disturbed areas prevents erosion |
| • An independent environmental monitor reports problems directly to environmental regulatory agencies, not to the project management team. |
| • Continuous monitoring of noise, vibration and air quality protects the surrounding communities. |
| • If noise levels cannot be contained within the contract limits, hotel vouchers are offered to residents when requested. |
| • More than 900 eastern brown box turtles were relocated out of construction zones. |
| SOURCE: SHA |
