NCDOT: IMPACT Public Information Program

IMPACT is the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM for road construction. IMPACT offers communication solutions for all types of construction projects.

IMPACT stands for Information Management Public Affairs, Construction and Traffic Control.

Team

The IMPACT team has provided valuable construction information to communities across North Carolina since 1987. Public information for numerous construction projects in every area of the state have been successfully developed and completed and requests for additional projects are continually received.

IMPACT is a collaborative effort between the following North Carolina Department Of Transportation units:

Construction Unit

IMPACT is managed by the construction unit. IMPACT staff personnel includes a construction engineers, communication specialists and a graphic artist. Responsibilities include producing and distributing fliers, releasing advisories to the media, facilitating meetings with businesses and citizens affected by construction, developing media schedules, coordinating interviews and truck shows and market research.

Traffic Control Section

The Traffic Control Section is responsible for identifying impacts to traffic such as detours, traffic shifts and lane, road and ramp closings.

Highway Divisions

Engineers from these divisions play a vital role by providing information on the stages of actual construction and the impact of construction on the local community and businesses.

Communications Office

The Communications Office reviews and approves all materials developed by IMPACT for public dissemination. Together, these NCDOT units form the IMPACT Team.

IMPACT team members develop specialized public information plans to meet the needs of communities affected by construction.

These plans outline:

The duration and major phases of construction.
Target audiences affected by the construction.
Environmental concerns and solutions.
Planned detour routes for road closings.
Efforts to accommodate special events.
Specific public information efforts for each individual project.
Distribution outlets for information regarding the project.
Work zone safety measures.

IMPACT develops materials to notify the traveling public of construction projects they may encounter.

Effective strategies to reach the public with timely and accurate information include:

News releases to local television and radio stations, newspapers, traffic reporters, N.C. Highway Patrol, AAA of the Carolinas, the N.C. Trucking Association, etc.
Brochures, fliers, and posters distributed to neighborhoods, local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, Visitor Centers, etc.
Construction information meetings held in local communities.
News stories or interviews that highlight work zone safety and specific project impacts.

How is IMPACT Helping You?

Keeping the public informed

IMPACT has developed open lines of communication with radio, newspaper and television media. Therefore, we can immediately contact our media sources to disseminate important construction updates to the public. Proactive planning for construction projects allows IMPACT to disseminate more information more efficiently.

Making the work zone safer

Safety is the Department’s number one priority. The safety of the motoring public and or workers is paramount An informed driver is a safe driver. Our goal is to notify drivers about construction activities in advance so they can adjust their plans accordingly. Motorists are always encouraged to STAY ALERT, and obey the work zone speed limit.

Striving for satisfaction

Achieving customer satisfaction is a priority of the IMPACT team. One hundred percent customer-driven, IMPACT is committed to proactively informing the public of construction projects and their impacts on the community.

Why is IMPACT important for the future?

As the NCDOT improves our state’s existing transportation system roadways, and constructs key economic corridors, motorists will encounter many more work zones.

With this expansion and impact the need for public information will continue to increase. The IMPACT team is ready to meet this challenge by providing motorists with timely information that will make traveling as safe and convenient as possible.