Construction Management, Public Relations and

Current Decision-Making Process

Decision making for the construction of transportation infrastructure is a complicated process [Page 410]involving complex interactions among multiple stakeholders with diverse (and sometimes conflicting) interests. Community members, as the end users of the urban infrastructure services, form one important group of the stakeholders and traditionally participate in the process of decision making as a part of the feedback loop.

The decision-making process usually starts with “problematization,” which includes detection of the issues, identification of the main participants in the process (along with their interests), and realization of the alternatives. Once goals, objectives, and priorities are stated, data is collected and interpreted for preparation of a general plan, along with draft implementation programs. Social, environmental, and economic impacts of the general plan and implication program are assessed and the results are published for the community to offer feedback.

Once the feedback is collected and considered, an edited plan will be issued. The process has a recursive nature and is highly dependent on the decision makers and feedback providers. People who are truly interested and are able to serve on the planning team are suggested as candidates and the community selects a committee to represent it by participating in the meetings where the planning process and expected accomplishments are explained. Meetings with all participants are held regularly to bring them up to date on work and to collect their general feedback as a constructive step toward developing consensus about the plan.

Impacts on Businesses and the Community

The construction of highways and other urban transit services inevitably impacts businesses and communities. Damages to the urban cores and historical sites due to demolition necessary for construction, change in land use, traffic infiltration and intensification, noise, and risk to public safety during and after the construction phase are among other such impacts. The community usually reacts against any project that is perceived not to serve their interests or to jeopardize their safety.

...