In This Together workbook

Workbook

The following pages show how WisDOT and businesses can work together to succeed during a highway construction project:

Planning ahead

Staying informed

Handling traffic

Reducing traffic

Keeping customers informed

Assistance for motor vehicle dealers

Worksheet:

Business owners can take basic actions to not only survive, but thrive, during road construction.

Plan ahead as much as possible; get involved early. A year is not too far ahead to begin organizing and planning.
Form an alliance with other businesses in your area. Pool resources to purchase group advertising.
Attend WisDOT's public information meetings to increase your knowledge about the project and to express any questions or concerns.
Hold regular, frequent meetings with other businesses to share strategies and support. Write down your concerns and questions for discussion.
Hold a pre-construction meeting with the WisDOT project manager and contractor to find out how long the project will take, what to expect, i.e. dirt, mud, ground shaking, etc.
Meet the on-site project manager. Keep his/her telephone number in a handy place.
Establish a line of communication with the project manager - this is the person who coordinates directly with the contractor.
Stay positive! Customers do notice.

Brainstorm ideas to promote your business and creatively communicate with customers:

Hold events prior to construction to draw attention to the area.
Work with the WisDOT communications manager to plan groundbreaking activities.
Design a logo for all affected businesses to use during construction.
Hold special promotions such as free hot dogs and pop, or a one-day sign-up for a free vacation.
Print placemat advertisements.
Place advertisements in outlying newspapers.
Sell hard-hat lunches to go.
Start a delivery service during construction.
Work with the WisDOT communications manager to plan a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Photo of community celebrating an early completion to a construction project.

Workbook sections:

Planning ahead