Intensive community outreach efforts help minimize and mitigate highway improvement impacts on environmental justice neighborhoods
The I-526 and I-26 interchange is flanked by environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods comprised of low-income and minority residents, which were affected by construction of I-26 in the 1960s, construction of I-526 in the 1990s, and currently by the proposed I-526 Lowcountry Corridor West improvements. To reduce impacts on these communities, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) engaged our professionals to conduct outreach, assess impacts, and develop plans to addresses direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on EJ neighborhoods.
We are focused on building trust and establishing relationships to help develop measures that offset project impacts and address the needs and priorities of neighborhood residents. Our work also supports the $146M EJ Community Mitigation Plan, which includes developing metrics to track how EJ mitigation is actualized and experienced by residents while also guarding against outcomes that could affect neighborhood affordability.
Ultimately, SCDOT and FHWA hope to improve congestion around the densely developed Charleston metro area with limited negative impacts on surrounding communities.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- SCDOT/FHWA
Amy Sackaroff, Principal, Sector Leader Infrastructure, Environmental Services (US East)
Whether it’s project delivery, team building, or crafting a winning proposal, I aim to be the catalyst that moves us to the next level.
Ryan White, Senior Associate, Design Services Growth Leader, Southeast Transportation
Our legacy goes beyond the steel and concrete to include people and the environment. We must ask ourselves what we want our legacy to be.
LaTonya Derrick, Senior Transportation Planner
For me, inspiration doesn’t come by happenstance but from the positive impact our work has in the communities we serve.
Josh Mitchell, Transportation Engineer
As a traffic engineer, I’m passionate about working to shape and reshape our networks—making them more efficient, accessible, and safer.
Michael Wray, Transportation Engineer
It’s important to listen carefully, read between the lines, and ask questions.
Andrea Dvorak-Grantz, Principal
Through collaboration, communication and responsiveness to scope, schedule and budget, we consistently create high-quality products that meet our client’s needs.
David Beaty, Senior Principal
No matter the size or type of project, the quality of life improvements we make have a positive impact in communities we serve.
Amanda Voges, Environmental Scientist
There’s nothing like getting your hands dirty with environmental fieldwork. Even when it’s tough, there’s never a dull moment!
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