Public Information
Cape Creek Tunnel ImprovementsHeceta Head, Oregon
Client: Oregon Department of Transportation
The Oregon Coast Highway (U.S. 101) is the main transportation lifeline for residents and visitors to the Oregon Coast. When ODOT officials realized that the Cape Creek Tunnel south of Yachats required repairs that could close the tunnel to traffic for an extended period of time they knew it would be important to inform and involve the public, particularly the area’s hospitality industry. The remote location of the tunnel, the lack of convenient detours for drivers, and the economic importance of the U.S. 101 corridor required widespread citizen involvement in the $5 million project. JLA conducted an aggressive outreach effort to gauge community preferences about various construction approach and schedule options. Over 140 people attended public open houses in Florence and Yachats to provide input. JLA also completed an intensive public information campaign during the six-month construction period. Communication plan elements included personal contact with local businesses, on-site project tours, monthly newsletters, a website, project information hotlines, and creative media events. The result was positive publicity for ODOT during what could have been an extremely difficult project.
Rogue River (Depot Street) Bridge ReplacementRogue River, Oregon
Client: Jackson County and ODOT
JLA designed the overall outreach and involvement strategy for this project to replace the Depot Street Bridge, a key Rogue River crossing. We worked with local officials, agency staff, and consultant team members to identify key interests and developed stakeholder-specific outreach actions to ensure widespread participation and project satisfaction. The public involvement plan was implemented in coordination with the Rogue Valley Council of Governments. Outreach actions included facilitation of community sounding board meetings, production and distribution of press releases, display ads, fact sheets and meeting notice invitation letters, and creation and maintenance of media relationships that resulted in significant earned media coverage. JLA managed construction information and media relations, including a monthly newspaper insert and website content development. This high-profile bridge replacement project won the “Project of the Year” Award in the Engineering Excellence Awards for 2008 from the Oregon Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies.
Smith Point Roundabout Astoria, OregonClient: Oregon Department of Transportation
ODOT constructed Oregon’s first multi-lane roundabout in Astoria—a new roundabout linking U.S. Highway 101 and OR Highway 202. JLA was hired to develop the public information materials to publicize the new transportation connection and to educate the public about how the roundabout functions. We were responsible for construction-related press releases and public information materials, including a “How To” information piece for local residents, businesses, and out-of-area traffic, such as truckers and tourists.