I-695 AT I-70 (TRIPLE BRIDGES) PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
McCormick Taylor implemented inclusive, multilingual public engagement strategies to ensure broad community participation through digital surveys, accessible materials, and interactive tools, while providing full project support from management to final reporting.
THE CHALLENGE
In Baltimore County, MD, the Triple Bridges Interchange is a critical juncture connecting I-695 and I-70 and plays a vital role in the region's transportation network. This interchange was built in the 1960s and handles much more traffic than it originally was designed to carry, which has resulted in congestion and delays. The aging infrastructure and operational shortcomings necessitated a comprehensive reconstruction. Utilizing a Design-Build Methodology, it was crucial to engage with the public early in the process to gather input that would shape the project's direction and ensure it met the community's needs.
HOW WE HELPED
McCormick Taylor conducted a thorough Environmental Justice analysis to identify and overcome barriers to public participation, particularly among vulnerable populations. Our public engagement strategies were adapted to meet social distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving the creation of diverse communication materials including e-newsletters, website content, social media posts, infographics, and videos. We ensured inclusivity by offering multilingual materials and alternative participation channels.
To further extend our outreach efforts, McCormick Taylor facilitated community engagement by developing a user-friendly digital survey, available in multiple languages, to collect feedback on design aesthetics, environmental concerns, and safety issues. We ensured accessibility for individuals using screen readers and provided a private dashboard for stakeholders to visualize survey participation and public sentiment through interactive charts and graphs, fostering transparency and understanding.
Our support tasks for this project included:
- Project Management
- Environmental Justice (EJ) Analysis and Mapping
- Project Messaging, Graphic Design/Visualization Support
- Public Meetings & Meeting Facilitation
- Elected Officials and Stakeholder Meetings
- Management of the Project’s Mailing/Distribution List
- Geofencing Survey Development
- Website and Video Development
- Custom Survey Application and Dashboard
- Interactive Web Maps
- Virtual Public Involvement (VPI) Meetings/Online Presentations
- Final Public Engagement Report
RESULTS
McCormick Taylor effectively integrated equity analysis, inclusive outreach, and digital tools to ensure public engagement throughout the project. This approach prioritized community needs and input, facilitating effective communication.