As public service agencies, state Departments of Transportation (DOT) account for the welfare of roadway users. They take measures to ensure that their facilities are safe, enhance mobility, and make the best use of tax payer dollars. In maintaining essential infrastructure, DOTs also ensure economic vitality through efficient transport of goods and services. Taking this concept to a local level, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Region Two, conducted research to determine how construction affects the financial welfare of businesses along state roads and how it could help maintain business vitality during construction. As a result of this research, UDOT enhanced its established public outreach program by developing the Partners for the Road Ahead (PRA) guide. The PRA guide specifically geared to the business community emphasizes partnering among the project team and businesses, as well as techniques and resources to mitigate construction issues. In addition to the guide, UDOT's outreach program for construction projects was expanded to include increased utilization of Public Information Managers, business workshops, citizen committees, stakeholder-administered monetary incentives for construction contractors, and improved construction project coordination. UDOT's business mitigation program is thriving and several elements, including the PRA guide, have garnered interest from DOTs nationwide. In addition, new program concepts are gaining momentum. The purpose of this paper is to describe UDOT's efforts to build its business mitigation program including research leading to the development of the PRA guide, and the addition of new components and initiatives as the program continues to grow.
Samenvatting