Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 17

Members of the Shelby Farms Parkway Resource Team meet to discuss implications of a proposed 1.8-mile roadway through an urban park in Memphis. go back and completely redesign things,” he says. Though this holistic approach to project planning is relatively new, “the principles revolving around CSS have been around for quite a while,” explains ACEC Chairman-elect Jerry Stump, COO and executive vice president at Wilbur Smith Associates (WSA) in Columbia, S.C. “These are things that good planners and good engineers have been doing for many years. Now, a growing number of agencies are looking to formalize the CSS process.” Typically, a lead agency manages the CSS process and builds a framework for public input. Various groups and teams—usually composed of political leaders, homeowners’ groups, activists, environmentalists and community organizations—provide input and ideas at different stages throughout the process. “The goal is to build consensus through cooperation,” says Jeff Mize, project manager and head of roadway design for the mid-south region at WSA. “It isn’t about pitting groups against each other. It’s all about monitoring issues and concerns and balancing sometimes conflicting goals.” There’s no template or checklist for CSS. Every project is different, and it’s important to tailor an initiative to the specific circumstances and needs of various stakeholders. One project might examine how to integrate a bike path, pedestrian walkway or light rail with a bridge; another might focus on improving access to local businesses by managing traffic flow and maximizing onstreet parking. How engineers and designers approach the project is dependent upon the circumstances. Mize makes it clear that “it’s not always possible to please everyone.” But, more often than not, “discussing all the issues and engaging in a dialogue alleviates concerns, because different groups wind up understanding issues and problems much better.” The Road to Results CSS actually shortens and simplifies projects by reducing the risk of lawsuits and costly redesigns. The CSS process is becoming more sophisticated all the time. As engineers learn to use the technique effectively, they’re incorporating a broader array of elements, including environmental expenses, total project lifecycle costs, how a project impacts overall transportation patterns and the economic and social impact on the community. With CSS, “it ultimately becomes a focus on livability and community viability, rather than only a highway or road,” explains HDR’s Taylor. Others believe CSS has applications beyond transportation, and that those involved with large public projects—museums, parks and public buildings, to name a few—should consider employing similar methods. “Ultimately, the more a project can integrate into the environment and the community, the better off everyone is,” says WSA’s Stump. “CSS and CSD are valuable tools that can shape a project so that it more closely matches the needs of a community. It’s a significant step forward in transportation project design.” n Samuel Greengard is a business and technology writer based in West Linn, Ore. Still, not everyone is sold on the merits of CSS. The perception among engineers who haven’t yet bought into the concept is that excessive negotiations and compromises often add unnecessary time and expense to a project. And there is some truth to that. Upfront meetings, discussions and surveys require additional time and effort, which often means higher costs. Proponents of the CSS approach say additional upfront expenses often can be recouped on the back end, especially if extra effort helps the project run more smoothly from start to finish. “There is nothing gained in the long run if you push forward quickly and wind up with something that unravels or doesn’t meet specific needs,” says WSDOT’s Olson. Others, such as WSA’s Mize, say a national dialog about Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) was held in february in Charlotte, n.C. for more on that event, and to see videos, discussions and other items from past CSS events, visit www.contextsensitivesolutions.org. March / april 2010 ENGiNEEriNG iNc.
http://www.contextsensitivesolutions.org

Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010

Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010
Table of Contents
From ACEC to You
News and Notes
Market Watch
Legislative Action
How to Survive the Down Economy
Annual Convention Preview
Putting Transportation Design in Context
Sustainable BIM
The Case for QBS
AASHTO Uniform Audit & Accounting Guide
Insights from ACEC's Institute for Business Management
Members in the News
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Cover2
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Table of Contents
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - From ACEC to You
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 3
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - News and Notes
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Market Watch
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Legislative Action
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 7
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - How to Survive the Down Economy
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 9
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 10
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 11
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Annual Convention Preview
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 13
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 14
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Putting Transportation Design in Context
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 16
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 17
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 18
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Sustainable BIM
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 20
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 21
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 22
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - The Case for QBS
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 24
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 25
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - AASHTO Uniform Audit & Accounting Guide
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 27
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Insights from ACEC's Institute for Business Management
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 29
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Members in the News
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 31
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - 32
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Cover3
Engineering Inc. - March/April 2010 - Cover4
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