odot’s public involvement and aesthetic design process
TRANSCRIPT
ODOT’sPublic Involvement and
Aesthetic Design Process
PublicInvolvement
Directed by NEPA USDOT agencies required to develop and
implement a Public Involvement (PI) process Communities have a vested interest in shaping
transportation decisions Stakeholders and the public are part of the
decision-making process Address potential impacts to quality of life and
day-to-day activities
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Why? Who Cares?
By encouraging participation and input By providing direction By promoting inclusion and diversity Through learning and collaboration By building trust By creating transparency
Managing the Environmental & Project Development ProcessPresented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Instills Value…
Understand community needs, values, and desires
Provides early and continuous engagement with stakeholders and the public
Provides sufficient opportunities for public comments at key decision points
Considers EJ and Title VI needs
Managing the Environmental & Project Development ProcessPresented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Benefits of PI
Federal-aid projects require significant amounts of ROW
The layout or function of connecting roadways or the facility being improved is substantially changed
Substantial adverse impacts occur to abutting properties
Significant social, economic, or environmental impacts occur in which FHWA determines a Public Hearing is in the best interest of the public
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Generally, PI is Conducted When…
LegalRequirements
…opportunity for public involvement shall satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and may consist of activities including public meetings or hearings , small group meetings with local officials, individual meetings, news releases, public notices, workshops, newsletters…
Managing the Environmental & Project Development ProcessPresented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
NEPA
Adequate notice for public review and comment at key decision points
Public input be considered and responded to Engaging traditionally underserved populations
Environmental Justice (EJ) populations Older adults, individuals with disabilities, etc.
States to periodically review PI process to ensure full and open access is provided to everyone
Managing the Environmental & Project Development ProcessPresented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Regulations Require…
23 CFR 450.212 Provide complete and timely information Adequately explain transportation issues and the
environmental process Provide full access to key decisions Access to technical and policy information used in
the development and planning of a project Opportunities for early and continuing
involvement
CEQ Regulations
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
23 CFR 771.105 Public involvement and a systematic
interdisciplinary approach are essential parts of the development process for proposed actions
No person, based on handicap, age, race, color, sex or national origin, shall be excluded from participating in, denied benefits, or be subject to discrimination under any Administration program or procedural activity
FHWA Regulations
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
23 CFR 771.111 Early coordination…aids in determining the type
of environmental document an action requires, the scope of the document, the level of analysis needed, and related environmental requirements
This involves the exchange of information from inception of a proposal for action to perpetration of the environmental document
FHWA Regulations
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 5511.01 Before establishing any additional highways as
part of the state highway system or making any significant changes in existing highways comprising the system, the Director of Transportation shall notify the general community of the project and offer an opportunity for appropriate public involvement…
Ohio Law
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
ODOT’sPI Process
Approval by FHWA required Procedures must provide for:
Appropriate coordination of PI activities Early and continuous opportunities for the
public to be involved during project development
Appropriate identification of social, economic and environmental impacts
Including impacts associated with the relocation of individuals, groups or institutions
Managing the Environmental & Project Development ProcessPresented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
ODOT’s PI Process
Integrated with PDP Dependent on project type Minimum PI requirements
Reflects ODOT’s and FHWA’s PI focus OES published a manual and provides training
Next training class is May 19, 2015 Developing an advanced PI class
ODOT’s PI Process
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Communication Early and often Proactive engagement Obtain alternate viewpoints Balance public and project interests Reduce and/or resolve controversy
Focus Areas
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Path 1, Path 2, and Non-Complex Path 3 Path 1 and Path 2 do not require a PI Plan
As appropriate for Non-Complex Path 3 PI meetings typically not required Internal ODOT consultation may be neededEnvironmental, Real Estate, etc. Stakeholder consultation and PI activities based
on project type and complexity Maintenance of traffic concerns Minor local controversy
PI and ODOT’s PDP
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Complex Path 3, and Path 4 and Path 5 PI Plan requiredAdjusted as project progressesPI activities correspond to decision-making points Stakeholder consultation
Separate meetings Focus groups, workshops Public Meetings and/or Public Hearings
PI and ODOT’s PDP
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
PI continues after approval of the environmental document Provide status updates Manages controversy Specific PISection 106, Noise, etc.
PI and ODOT’s PDP
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Those potentially affected by a project Directly or indirectly/positively or negatively
Have a “stake” in the success or failure of a project Individuals Non-profit organizations Elected officials Businesses Federal and state agencies Project sponsors
Stakeholders
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Assets to the Project Management Team Consulted early Ongoing involvement depends on a project’s
type and complexity, as well as the need for input
Assemble stakeholder groups at the beginning Define roles and responsibilities Define ground rules Develop communication protocols
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Stakeholders
Outlines decision-making process Defines strategic PI objectives Identifies issues to consider Identifies stakeholders Identifies means and methods of disseminating
information Identifies appropriate outreach efforts/activities Identifies decision makers Identifies staff, budget, and other resources
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Public Involvement Plan
Identify decision-makers Define when decision points will occur Define how decisions will be made Determine how stakeholders and the public will
be consulted for each decision needed Determine how recommendations and comments
will be conveyed to decision-makers
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Managing the PI Process
Communicate the decision-making process Understand which decisions will be made Who has decision-making authority Four levels of decision-making
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Effective Decision-Making
Inform & Advise
Decide
Decision-Making Flow ChartSouthwestern Warren County Transportation
Study
Advisory CommitteeAdvisory
Committee
Key Influencers- Leader
Interviews
Key Influencers- Leader
Interviews
Other Stakeholders
Other Stakeholders
General PublicGeneral Public
CommissionersCounty Engineer
MPOODOTFHWA
CommissionersCounty Engineer
MPOODOTFHWA
Study TeamStudy Team
Study & Recommend
Defining Roles in the Decision-making Process Manages Expectations
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Public Notificationvs.
Public Involvement
One-way communication Basic Easily understood
Travel advisories Project updates Updates on planned projects
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Public Notification
Two-way communication Provides feedback Interactive Concerns, ideas, opinions are heard and
addressed
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Public Involvement
Provide a viable message Encourage participation Provide appropriate materials and information Means of distribution that reaches EVERYONE,
including the traditionally underserved Social Media Project Website News Outlets Newsletters Fliers/Mailers
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Communication Strategies
Most common PI activity Encompasses other PI activities
Opportunity to listen, learn, share Encourages personal interaction Removes barriers Allows for dissenting views/opinions to be heard Issues can be discussed
Conducted in the Planning Phase of the PDP May be needed in later phases
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Public Meetings
Can be an opportunity for the public to speak and be heard by their peers (a.k.a. open microphone) Part of public hearing for EA/EIS projects Strongly recommended for Path 4 and Path 5 Advertise if open microphone will be provided All comments addressed at or following the
meeting Keep detailed minutes Develop ground rules
Open House Public Meetings
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
EffectiveStrategies
No single correct action, set of actions, or activities or techniques will always guarantee
successful PI Communicate early and often Be flexible
Every project is unique – be ready to adapt Carefully identify potential stakeholders Develop trust and credibility
Plan For Success!
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
SEND THE RIGHT MESSAGE
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
DO NOT INVITE CONTROVERSY
Convey information in an easily understood manner
Provide reasonable access to technical information used in project development
Provide adequate notice of PI activities and for all public review and comment opportunities
Consider and provide adequate responses to public comments received during planning and development
PI Standards
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Aesthetic Design Solutions
Involves a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach in which stakeholders, citizens and agencies are part of the planning and design team
Definition
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Considers Purpose & Need of a transportation project, and then addresses equally: Safety Mobility Preservation Aesthetics Cultural Resources Community values
Context Sensitive Approach
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Address the transportation need Safe, financially feasible, implementable
Provides assets that are accepted by stakeholders and adds value to the community
Compatible with the natural and built environments Implemented with minimal impacts and is
aesthetically appropriate
Principles
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
A process used on specific projects A change from ODOT’s PDP A “fancy” way to conduct PI
Aesthetic Design is NOT…
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Culture Change A customer focused initiative Work processes and procedures Policies (funding, approaches) Emphasis on Project Management Technical skill set improvements Information and asset management
Organizational Needs forSuccessful Implementation
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Positional Basedvs.
Interest Based
Effective Decision-Making
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Starts with the solution Parties propose solutions to one another until
they hit upon one that is somewhat acceptable to both of them
Positional Based
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Starts with developing and preserving the relationship
Parties educate each other about their needs and then jointly problem solve
“The Orange”
Interest Based
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
INTERESTSProcedural Psychologic
al
Substantive
Triangle of Satisfaction
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
To jointly set goals, we must establish trust and credibility
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
To establish trust and credibility,we must manage expectations
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
To manage expectations, we must have aneffective decision-making process
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
No flexibility Given as directives No participation May have a basis in law or regulation
Level One Decisions
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Stop signs are red
Interstates are fully controlled access
Drive on the right hand side of the road
Level One Examples
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Minimal flexibility
Directive
May have a basis in adopted policy or standard
Level Two Decisions
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
12-foot lanes Right on red Minimum interchange spacing
Level Two Examples
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
There is flexibility
Collaborative effort
May have a basis in guidance or best practice
Level Three Decisions
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Project definition and scope Range of alternatives Preferred alternative Maintenance of traffic Construction scheduling
Level Three Examples
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Ultimate in flexibility
Collaborative effort
Joint ownership
Level Four Decisions
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Color of noise walls
PI
Others?
Level Four Examples
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Aesthetic Design Initiative created to improve the aesthetic appearance of transportation projects
Improve the “look” of the transportation system Work with community members and local
stakeholders to learn about their concerns Plan projects stakeholder concerns in mind
Design Aesthetics
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
The basic unit of design is the corridor Highways seen as corridors (setting) more so than by
their individual parts (bridges, landscape) Successful design is when all the parts fit and are
compatible with their surrounding Success relies on inter-disciplinary teams with broad
range of expertise ODOT’s Aesthetics Guidelines suggest techniques to
assist the design team
Design Aesthetics
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Evaluate needs from a contextual perspective Define corridor type Establish an inter-disciplinary project team Community engagement
Corridor Vision
Developing a Corridor VisionThe Aesthetic Design Process
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Is facility visible to the traveler? Is facility a significant part of the visual scene? Who has significant views of the facility? What local or regional standards apply? Is the project part of something bigger? Will creating a vision for the corridor support current
and future projects?
Project Needs
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Gateway
Urban High Density
Urban Low Density
Corridor Types
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Suburban
Rural
Scenic
Corridor Types
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Unified design for a corridor requires a vision Integrates visual and functional goals of the project Inspires and unifies design decisions
Corridor Vision
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Goal is to include all affected and interested parties Aesthetic Design can be part of a PI Plan ODOT’s PI Manual provides guidance on how to
incorporate PI into the PDP
Community Involvement
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Pattern and color Texture and relief Landscape Retaining walls Noise walls Bridges Lighting Signing
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Aesthetic Design Elements
Rural Corridors Colors follow ODOT Standards Urban color choices can be influenced by
the surroundings Patterns and textures add visual interest
that provide surface variations and shading reducing the scale of an object Random and natural work best against
natural backgrounds Geometric and figurative work best
against man-made backgrounds
Color, Pattern, Texture, Relief
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Improves appearance ODOT Landscape Guidelines, L&D
Manual Volume, Vol. 1 Plant materials can satisfy both
aesthetic and maintenance criteria Roadside Use of Native Plants
(FHWA ep-99-014) The Native Plants of Ohio (OSU Ext.
Office’s Bulletin 865, 1998)
Landscape
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
TechniquesContinuous, even or curvilinear finished top line along entire length – finished coping or sill treatment is preferredPattern, color, texture- relieve monotony and minimize irregularitiesLandscaping – helps blend walls into the environment
Both Pattern/Color/Texture and landscaping may be different on
the highway and community sides
Retaining and Noise Walls
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Layout can have a profound effect on overall appearance
Number of spans, location of abutments, and span lengths are decisions made early in the design process
Important to consider scale, proportion and balance as seen from predominant vantage points
Designer can adapt structure (within limitations) to accommodate aesthetic and other contextual considerations
Bridges – Structural Layout
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Certain structural elements can be varied to achieve different visual effects Columns Piers Parapet Walls
Bridges – Structural Elements
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Consideration should be given to selecting from a range of design materials and methods to achieve a more desirable product Steel Girders vs. Concrete Beams Continuous Girders vs. Simple spans Concrete Slab Bridges Haunched Girders
Bridges – Methods and Materials
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Consistency is important Differences in fixtures, arms and poles will be obvious
and distracting Color poles/luminaries to be consistent with design
concept for corridor or blend into the environment Decrease visual clutter for a coordinated appearance
Eliminate pole arms Minimize variety and number
Lighting - Placement and Type
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Design lighting complements the structures Not as an afterthought
Material, color and finish of poles and hardware should complement the structure
Set poles in relation to major structural features Avoid exposed conduit
Lighting - Bridges
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Provide information in a way that minimizes clutter and improves information delivery
Considerations similar to lighting Consistency Clutter reduction Complement roadway and
structural elements
Signage Placement
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Reconstruction of cloverleaf system interchange for improved
safety and capacityAesthetic Features 70 mph ramp design speed fit
available ROW Vertical alignment fit terrain
and saved $$$ Architectural treatments
celebrate Dayton’s heritageLessons Learned Establish CSD Criteria
IR-70/IR-75 Montgomery County, Ohio
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Every Project Has a Context
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Utilize and manage diverse technical resources Integrate environmental and engineering tasks Proactive PI Consider multiple alternatives Maintain open line of communications Comprehensive decision-making process Document all decisions
Key Elements
Managing the Environmental & Project Development Process Presented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Planning & Design PI Manual Aesthetics Guidelines Environmental Commitments Access Management Manual Location & Design Manual
Construction Environmental Commitments Innovative Contracting
Managing the Environmental & Project Development ProcessPresented by the Ohio Department of Transportation
Tools for Success