Roadways

Salem Parkway (formerly Business 40) Improvement Project, NCDOT, Winston Salem, NC

This project was chosen by FHWA as an example of “best practices” for Environmental Justice (EJ) in NEPA and won a “Grand Award” in the national 2021 American Council of Engineering Companies Engineering Excellence Awards. The project rose to the top out of 80 nominees from 35 state DOTs. 

This long-term project is one of the most visible, award-winning and extraordinary projects in the State of North Carolina (2006-2020), as it included the complete reconstruction of Business 40 (now Salem Parkway) through downtown Winston-Salem. Eleven bridges were replaced, including two pedestrian bridges and a new multi-use pathway. During construction, the highway was closed for 16 months, four months shy of schedule.

SRI was responsible for leading all business/stakeholder outreach and establishing relationships within the business community; making presentations and engaging the public in events during the Planning, Design-Build and Construction phases; developing website and newsletter content and presentation materials; developing graphics and maps for outreach and assisting on all public and neighborhood meetings. Early tasks included conducting over 200 presentations and surveys, events and meetings of downtown businesses in a 3-month period. SRI was the task leader for the “Bridge and Design Working Group”, who helped identify design features and other elements for the bridges. SRI developed presentations for local and national conferences, presented the project to stakeholder groups and documented outreach activities. Tasks during construction to ensure that the project details and schedule were relayed to the public included the continuation of stakeholder presentations, social media outreach and direct communication and coordination with the resident engineers.

Elm Street Innovation Corridor, Greensboro, NC

The City of Greensboro initiated this community project to create a district for entrepreneurial activity spurred by broadband expansion, improvements to the pedestrian elements and roadway and ensuring that infrastructure is sufficient for new development. SRI identified and engaged with a local group of stakeholders, as well as reached out to all property owners within a half mile to obtain feedback on two draft concepts showcasing streetscape and pedestrian elements, as well as other design features along South Elm Street. Workshops were held and information was posted on the website, while news release and social media posts provided additional information. SRI also developed an online survey to gather public comments.

Greensboro Downtown Transportation Study, Greensboro, NC

The study will comprehensively assess and recommend projects, policies, and strategies to modernize roadways, intersections, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, one-way pairs, traffic signalization, speed limits and related considerations in Downtown Greensboro. SRI is responsible for all public involvement and outreach, which will include innovative methods and venues in which to obtain feedback from stakeholders and the general public, encourage dialogue within the community, and share information.  Activities will include stakeholder support, workshops/meetings, pop up events, an online survey, social media/website posts and other materials as needed. It is our goal to engage downtown business owners, residents and all who frequent/patronize downtown establishments and travel within and around to gather suggestions and comments that would improve or enhance the downtown experience.

Peters Creek Parkway Feasibility Study

The City of Winston-Salem was approached to study Peters Creek Parkway (PCP) at the request of a local, organized group referred to as the Peters Creek Community Initiative (PCCI). Members of PCCI asked the City to consider ways to enhance PCP into a more pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented roadway that would jumpstart more attractive development and land uses. Our firm took the lead on conducting the public outreach efforts. We met with PCCI initially to understand their vision and goals, then expanded our outreach to the business and residential communities along PCP. We continue to work closely with the PCCI and other stakeholders through work sessions and meetings to ensure that the proposed plans meet their needs and goals, to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in future years. In addition to the stakeholder meetings, SRI also conducts presentations and public workshops, develops materials and works closely with the City and NCDOT to ensure transparency.

Johnson Street/Sandy Ridge Road Improvement Project, City of High Point

The “story” of this project is told in its logo, created by a local high school student who won a logo contest coordinated by SRI. The logo is used on all materials, website and notifications, and has become the identity of this roadway improvement project. SRI leads all public involvement and outreach efforts, including establishing and working with a Community Advisory Committee and Agency Steering Committee, preparing for and participating in a NEPA Educational Session, developing a project website and other materials and graphics, making presentations with local property owners and stakeholders and conducting events. SRI’s involvement will ensure that this project is community-based and supported, involving the public through the planning and design phases.

Please contact our office if you would like to know more about how we contributed to these projects.