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Title: Business Impacts of Highway Construction Projects
Principal Investigator's Name(s): Dr. Rhonda Young, P.E.
Project Sponsor: Wyoming Department of Transportation
Project Timeline: January 2003 – February 2008
Background: Business owners in Wyoming are typically very concerned when a highway construction project is proposed near their businesses. Even though construction projects are only temporary situations, many business owners worry about the level of impact and the length and magnitude of the recovery period. Currently little information that quantifies the estimated business impacts exists nationwide and none that is specific to Wyoming . The intent of this study is to investigate the business-related impacts due to highway construction projects in Wyoming and provide project managers at the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) with case studies and impact estimates to better address business owners' concerns.
Objective of the Project: The intent of Phase 3 of this
study is to investigate the business-related impacts in the town of Dubois,
Wyoming due to four highway construction projects on Togwotee Pass scheduled
for the next seven years. The main objective of the research effort is
to address the concerns of the business owners and to measure the effectiveness
of mitigation and public involvement techniques undertaken by WYDOT, business
owners, and the community. Research on the relationship between highway
construction projects and business impacts in Dubois will provide WYDOT’s
project managers the information on what types of businesses benefit from
various mitigation and public involvement efforts.
The intent of Phases 1 and 2 of this study was to investigate the business-related
impacts due to highway construction projects on a scale typical of projects
in Wyoming. While city or county-wide impacts will be studied, the main
objective of the research effort is to address the concerns of the business
owners. Research on the relationship between highway construction projects
and business impacts in Wyoming before, during, and after construction
will provide WYDOT's project managers the information needed to respond
to concerned businesses during project development. In addition, the mitigation
measures that can be used to minimize these impacts during construction
will also be addressed.
Project Status: Phase I of the project was completed
in March 2004. Phase II was completed in February of 2005. Phase I looked
at 12 project areas throughout Wyoming and looked at impacts both perceived
and actual. Phase II takes a more in-depth look at four project areas.
Phase III of the project is currently ongoing and scheduled for completion
in February 2008.
Phase I Report - Highway Construction Related Business Impacts: Phase I, FHWA-WY-04/01F
Phase II Report - Phase II Report - Highway Construction Related Business Impacts: Phase
II, FHWA-WY-05/04F