Environmental Planning Through Construction
Helping deliver more than $2.2 billion in transportation investments by building community understanding and support
The Moment
Delivering major transportation infrastructure requires public understanding and stakeholder collaboration, and successful environmental approvals. Serving more than 2.1 million residents, SBCTA was advancing a portfolio of highway, rail, bridge, and goods movement projects that would reshape mobility throughout the Inland Empire. Each project required meaningful engagement with residents, businesses, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and community organizations to keep projects moving forward while maintaining public confidence.
The Solution
Westbound led communications and public engagement for a portfolio of transportation projects representing more than $2.2 billion in regional investment, including the I-10 and I-15 Corridor Projects, I-215 Widening Project, San Bernardino and Redlands Passenger Rail Projects, Colton Crossing, and multiple bridge and grade separation improvements. We introduced innovative outreach strategies, including the Inland Empire's first project-specific construction newsletter and video series, and established Community Advisory Groups that became the regional model for infrastructure engagement. Through earned media, strategic events, stakeholder communications, and ongoing public outreach, we helped secure environmental approvals, strengthen community partnerships, and support successful project delivery. National media coverage culminated in the I-215 Widening Project being recognized by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood before Congress as a national example of successful transportation investment.
The Results
$2.2B+
in transportation projects supported
150+
public presentations and community events
9M+
media impressions generated from a single groundbreaking event 6 large-scale public events managed
Plus national recognition from The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, and the U.S. Department of Transportation
The Impact
SBCTA established a new standard for transportation communications in the Inland Empire, demonstrating how strategic public engagement can build trust, strengthen partnerships, and help deliver complex infrastructure projects that move communities forward.
