The impact of infrastructure projects on local communities can be significant. This makes communications and public outreach strategy critical for winning ongoing local support as construction progresses. Visualizing and documenting work for publicity purposes is made easy with EarthCam's industry-leading webcam tools, software services, and time-lapse technology, or with Work Zone Cam professional time-lapse cameras.
“EarthCam’s cameras have worked great for us, allowing us to archive high-quality photos for a time-lapse video, all while providing a live video stream to the public 24 hours a day,” said Dom Cyr, P.E., project manager for Reed & Reed, who is overseeing construction of the new Bearcamp River Bridge in Ossipee, New Hampshire. The demolition of the existing bridge and the new one being moved into place was documented using EarthCam for the New Hampshire DOT. “EarthCam’s efforts to help us find the proper camera for our application, as well as the technical support to get our camera working flawlessly, has been amazing,” Cyr added.
The City of Everett in Washington State relocated a 200-ft bridge span over West Marine View Drive and the BNSF railroad, creating a new viewing platform and civic space that now connects the community, long separated by geography, with Everett’s evolving waterfront. To document and promote the Grand Avenue Park Bridge Project, Work Zone Cam Pro was used.
“With no high bandwidth city network in the area, we were able to place the camera atop a local restaurant and capture high-resolution images and share with the public,” said Cory Hert, city traffic engineer at the Everett Public Works Department. “The images embedded smoothly into the project webpage and the player was simple and intuitive for our customers.”
Live streaming and time-lapse videos clearly demonstrate the complexity and planning involved with these unique construction projects, instilling a sense of public ownership and pride.
“As the 200-ft span was lifted and set into place over the West Marine View Drive and the BNSF railroad, our citizens were able to watch the work in real time,” Hert added. “Project managers and construction staff used the cameras to document construction and monitor progress daily. Customer service was prompt, and technical support knew their product, answering every question we had on the spot. Everything just worked. Next time we need a project camera in a difficult location, we won’t hesitate to use Work Zone Cam Pro!”
Due to COVID-19 considerations, the city is postponing their official grand opening until it is safe to gather. During the pandemic, camera technology such as EarthCam and Work Zone Cam Pro is becoming even more important to ensure local residents can view projects remotely and stay connected with the construction projects that are transforming their city.
Visit EarthCam.net and WorkZoneCam.com to learn more about optimizing public outreach with camera technology.
Editor's Note: Scranton Gillette Communications and the SGC Infrastructure Group are not liable for the accuracy, efficacy and validity of the claims made in this piece. The views expressed in this content do not reflect the position of the Roads & Bridges' Editorial Team.
