107Legal Relations and Responsiblities to The Public

107.01LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS TO BE OBSERVED

Observe and comply with all of the following:

authority. Protect and indemnify the Department and its representatives against any claim or liability arising from the violation of any of the above listed items, whether violated by the Contractor, a Subcontractor, material man, or supplier, or any of their employees or agents. Follow all rules and regulations of federal, state, and local health officials. Do not require an employee of the Contractor or Subcontractor(s) to work in surroundings, or under conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to health or safety. Admit any Inspector of the OSHA or other legally responsible agency involved in safety and health administration without delay and without presentation of an inspection warrant to all areas of the work and project site upon presentation of proper credentials. Comply with and enforce all federal, state, and local safety standards (e.g., the Montana Scaffolding Act, etc.) for Contractor’s workers and its Subcontractor’s workers on the project, protecting and indemnifying the Department and its representatives from all claims, suits, damages or liabilities from all accidents or safety violations, and ensuring the public’s safety. The Contractor is not to enforce safety standards for Department employees. Follow federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations regarding any illegal discriminatory practices. Employment and access to all programs and services must be free from any form of illegal discrimination based on federal or state protected class as referenced in the Non-Discrimination Notice Attachment. Work within a state or national forest is under the regulations of the authority having jurisdiction governing the forest. 2 CFR 200.216 has been added to the Code of Federal Regulations and became effective August 13, 2020. Ensure any telecommunications or video surveillance equipment, services, or systems used or installed on Federal Aid Projects comply with 2 CFR 200.216. Immediately notify the Project Manager in writing if any discrepancy or inconsistency is discovered between the contract and any law, ordinance, regulation, order, or decree.

107.02PERMITS, LICENSES AND TAXES

Obtain all legally required permits, authorizations, and licenses, pay all charges, fees, taxes, and fuel taxes giving all notices necessary and incidental to the lawful prosecution of the work.

107.03PATENTED DEVICES, MATERIALS AND PROCESSES

Do not use any design, device, material, or process covered by letters of patent or copyright, without a legal agreement with the patentee or owner. Indemnify and hold harmless the Department, any affected third party, or political subdivision from all claims for infringement for the use of any patented design, device, material or process, or trademark or copyright. Indemnify the Department of all costs, expenses, and damages obligated for payment by reason of an infringement during the prosecution or after the completion of the project. – LEGAL RELATIONS AND 2020 EDITION V5.1 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC

107.04RESTORING SURFACES OPENED BY PERMIT

The Department may grant permits to construct or re-construct a utility facility in the highway or street for authorities of the municipality in which the work is done. Do not allow any individual, firm, or corporation to make an opening in the street without a Department permit. Do not allow any person or persons to make an opening unless authorized by the Department. Parties bearing permits may make openings in the street. When requested by the Project Manager, repair these openings. The work is paid for under Subsection 104.03 or as provided in the contract. Repair to the same standards as the original work.

107.05FEDERAL AID PARTICIPATION

Federal laws, rules, or regulations in conflict with any provisions of a federally assisted contract prevail and take precedence over conflicting contract provisions. Federally assisted work is under Department supervision and subject to inspection and approval of the United States Government. Inspections by authorized Federal representatives do not make the United States a party to the contract and do not interfere with the rights of the contract parties.

107.06PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY

Conduct construction with minimum obstruction to traffic. Provide safety and convenience to the public and protect persons and property including, but not limited to, items specified in Subsection 104.05 and Section 618 . High-visibility safety apparel must be worn by all workers within the R/W of all projects. Use high-visibility safety apparel that meets the Performance Class 2 or 3 requirements of the ANSI/ISEA 107 publication entitled American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear. Class 3 apparel is required for all nighttime work. Workers include all persons on the project at the request of, employed by, or for the benefit of the Contractor. This includes suppliers and subcontractors at every tier, including volunteers. A worker’s failure to wear required apparel may result in the worker’s immediate and permanent ejection from the project, and/or a suspension of work in that area, at the discretion of the Project Manager. No claim for compensation or delay costs may be made by or through the Contractor in such a case. Provide complete protection at all times to the travelling public crossing under any structure. Employ positive means such as netting, tarpaulins, wood, or metal covering to prevent tools, materials, etc. from falling onto the roadway below. Positive protection may include traffic control methods, or other approved means to ensure complete protection. Submit the proposed method and any modifications of the proposed method of traffic protection for approval a minimum of 2 days prior to the start of this work. Do not begin work until the protection plan is approved and installed to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. Failure to maintain such safeguards in an effective manner may result in an immediate shutdown of work until corrected. Do not close public roads without the Engineer’s permission. Providing protection to underlying roadways is not measured for payment.

107.07RAILWAY-HIGHWAY PROVISIONS

Responsibilities for work involving railway property are:

trains or traffic on railway property. Do not cross the railway R/W or tracks except at temporary or existing, open public grade crossings. 2020 EDITION V5.1 LEGAL RELATIONS AND – 107 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC Furnish signed copies of the Contractor Requirements and Acknowledgment for Working on Railroad Right of Way found in the contract to the railroad and Project Manager before entering railroad property and starting work. Provide advance notice, as agreed between the Contractor and railway officials, before working on railway property, hauling across railway tracks, or blasting within 1000 feet (305 m) of railway property. Comply with Section 204 and Subsection 107.18 when blasting or performing other work on or near railway property. Furnish insurance for all work performed as required by Subsection 107.13 or the contract. Make arrangements with the railway company for railway crossings not specified in the contract at Contractor expense. Reimburse the railroad company for all costs of railway flagging, other protective services, and installation of temporary crossings for haul roads for Contractor-furnished material sources based on billings submitted by the railway company.

by the railway company.

railway flagging and other protective services necessary for work performed on or near railroad R/W, including haul road track crossings to Department-optioned or owned material sources; and

Contractor-requested crossings, submitted to the Department by the railway company.

trains or traffic on railway property, and

flagging or other protective services to the Contractor or Department.

107.08LOAD RESTRICTIONS

Do not exceed legal load restrictions when hauling material and equipment on public roadways and bridges within and beyond the project limits and on all new and existing Portland cement concrete roadways, completed and accepted gravel surfaces, treated base courses, bituminous surfacing lifts and courses, including plant mix base, plant mix surfacing, and seal and cover. Do not place loads on a concrete pavement, treated base, or structure before the curing period has been achieved. Repair damaged roadways and structures resulting from construction operations at Contractor expense. Measure and analyze truck legal load limits by the bridge formula before hauling any material over existing or newly paved roadways and bridges. Furnish a drawing showing distances between axles, truck tare weight, and the overall length of each truck prior to hauling or placing operations. Show a minimum of two applications using the bridge formula on the drawing. Include on the first application the overall length between axles. For the second application, do not consider the – LEGAL RELATIONS AND 2020 EDITION V5.1 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC steering axle, and add the value obtained from the bridge formula to the anticipated load on the steering axle. Use the lesser of the two values obtained as the legal load. Retain a copy of the appropriate drawing in each truck. Do not exceed established legal load weights for single axle and tandem axles. If raising a retractable or tag axle results in the truck being over the maximum legal weight, only raise the axles when backing to unload at a chip spreader, windrow, or plant mix paver. Back the minimum distance possible while over legal weight restrictions. Do not exceed the legal weight on the steering axle by more than 25% or tandem axles by more than 50% while backing with retractable or tag axles lifted. The weight on a truck in excess of the maximum legal weight as determined above will be deducted from the quantity considered for payment. Comply with this provision and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations related to operation of motor vehicles on public roads. Trucks operated on public roads may be checked by the Department’s Motor Carrier Services Division and fines levied for exceeding legal loads. Do not use existing bridges, new bridges, or bridges to be removed but still in use by the public as work platforms, work bridges, or to support or move equipment without the Department’s written approval. Approval will be granted only where load analysis and review of traffic control, safety, and convenience show it to be in the public interest. No additional compensation will be considered or allowed for any violation of these provisions.

107.09RESERVED

107.10PROTECTION AND RESTORTATION OF PROPERTY AND LANDSCAPE

.1 Public and Private Property

Preserve all public and private property when performing work. Do not disturb or damage land monuments and property markers until witnessed or referenced by the Project Manager. Be responsible for all damage to public and private property resulting from any act, omission, neglect, or misconduct in the manner or method of executing work until the project is accepted. This responsibility includes damage caused by compaction, vibratory, and impact equipment. Replace or restore damaged property to its original condition at Contractor expense. Conduct a review of all public roadways to be used by Contractor equipment, including haul operations, before work begins. Arrange for a local road authority representative and the Project Manager to attend the review. The parties are to review and document the roadways’ existing condition and determine a dispute resolution process if an agreement on roadway restoration cannot be reached. Once the roadway is no longer in use by the Contractor, conduct another review by the same parties. The parties are to reach an agreement on what is required to restore the roadway comparable to its original condition. Perform all work required to restore the roadway comparable to its original condition and obtain the Project Manager’s approval of the work once completed. Roadway restoration is not measured for payment. 2020 EDITION V5.1 LEGAL RELATIONS AND – 107 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC

.2 American Legion Fatality Markers

Take inventory of all American Legion Fatality Markers (fatality markers) within the project limits prior to construction activities. Identify the fatality marker’s route, reference post, and side of road it is located on. Identify fatality markers in conflict with proposed construction activities and those that are not.

activities in vicinity of fatality markers, remove and locate fatality markers to a safe location. Upon completion of construction activities, return the fatality markers to the same route as close as practical to the original reference post and side of road, at an offset distance established by the Department.

markers not in Conflict with construction activities. Be responsible for all damage to fatality markers resulting from any act, omission, neglect, or misconduct in the manner or method of executing work until the project is accepted. Replace or restore damaged fatality markers to their original condition at Contractor expense. All costs incurred to meet the American Legion Fatality Marker requirements are incidental to other items of the contract.

107.11RESERVED

107.12RESERVED

107.13INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Meet the timing requirements of Subsection 103.07 .

.1 Insurance on All Contracts

with a general aggregate limit of $2,000,000; an occurrence limit of $1,000,000; and products and completed operations limit of $1,000,000. The policy must name the State of Montana, its agents, employees, and officers as an additional named insured.

Contractor’s Protective (OCP) liability insurance policy for all work to be done, on behalf of the owner (State of Montana, the Department, and its agents, employees, and officers) to be submitted with the contract when executed, with a general aggregate limit of not less than $2,000,000 and an occurrence limit of not less than $1,000,000.

employees, and officers is in excess of the required insurance and does not contribute with it. Maintain commercial general liability insurance in full force, effective within 20 calendar days after award until Commission acceptance of the project, unless written approval is given by the CES Engineer to cancel the policy. Maintain Owner’s and Contractor’s Protective (OCP) liability insurance in full force, effective within 20 calendar days after award until Conditional Final Acceptance (form MDT-CON-105-17-1E) is granted by the Project Manager. Obtain all policies from an insurer with an AM Best rating of A- or better on the date the policy is written. – LEGAL RELATIONS AND 2020 EDITION V5.1 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC The insurance requirements are a condition precedent to the contract. Failure to obtain and maintain all required insurance is considered a material breach of the contract. Reinstate the policies listed above if a return to the project is required to complete additional work, including any contractual warranty work. Do not begin work until the policies are reinstated and submitted to the CES Bureau in Helena.

.2 Insurance Involving Railroads

Furnish railroad protective liability insurance on behalf of the railroad when equipment or personnel are located, or work is done on any railroad R/W. The limits of liability are specified in the contract. Maintain railroad protective liability insurance in full force until Conditional Final Acceptance (form MDT-CON-105-17-1E) is approved by the Department. Submit copies of the railroad insurance policies as specified in the contract for transmittal to and approval by the railroad. Do not use or enter railroad property until railroad approval is received and the policies are in effect. This applies to all work done as a part of the project. Reinstate the railroad protective liability insurance if a return to the project is required to complete additional work. Do not begin work until the policy is reinstated and submitted to the CES Bureau in Helena.

.3 Insurance Requirements When Utilities Are Present

When working below the ground surface, ensure a comprehensive $2,000,000 insurance policy covering underground work and resulting damage to underground utilities is in effect. Maintain insurance in full force until Conditional Final Acceptance (form MDT-CON-105-17-1E) is approved by the Department.

.4 General

Furnish insurance policies with an endorsement that prohibits canceling, altering, amending, or reducing coverage without giving a minimum of 30 calendar days written notice by the insurance company to the insured and the Department. A Montana resident agent must countersign all insurance policies issued under the contract. If the State where the insurance is purchased has a reciprocal agreement with the State of Montana and the insurance company is licensed to do business in the State of Montana, a countersignature by a Montana resident agent is not required.

107.14THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY CLAUSE

It is specifically agreed between the parties to the contract that it is not intended to create anyone as a third-party beneficiary or to authorize anyone not a party to the contract to maintain an action for damages pursuant to the terms or provisions of the contract.

107.15RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE CLAIMS

Indemnify and hold harmless the Department and the Department’s officers and employees from all actions or claims brought because of injuries or damages to persons or property caused by the actions or omissions of the Contractor’s employees or agents.

107.16OPENING SECTIONS OF PROJECT TO TRAFFIC

The Project Manager may open certain sections of the work before completion or acceptance of the contract. Opening these sections does not constitute acceptance of the work or waive any contract requirement. Pending completion and acceptance of the roadway, complete all repairs or removals on sections of opened roadway caused by defective materials, work or by causes other than ordinary wear and tear meeting Subsection 107.17 requirements. 2020 EDITION V5.1 LEGAL RELATIONS AND – 107 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC If shoulders, drainage structures, or other elements of the work are not completed on schedule, the Project Manager may order all or a portion of the project open to traffic. Liability and responsibility for maintaining the work before final acceptance remains in effect. Complete the remaining work with minimum interference to traffic.

107.17CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK

Protect the work against loss, injury, or damage caused by the elements, traffic, or any other cause, including, but not limited to, fire, theft, pilferage, vandalism, or third-party negligence until final acceptance. Repair all damage to any project work, or the project site, caused by the Contractor or anyone performing any project work at no expense to the Department. Rebuilding, repairing, and restoring damage to the work due to unforeseeable causes beyond the control of and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor (including, but not restricted to acts of God, acts of a public enemy, or of governmental authorities) will be paid for under Subsection 104.03 . This does not excuse or allow compensation or repayment for any act or omission by the Contractor or its subcontractors, either in violation of law, regulation, ordinance, etc., or for any act or occurrence, which could have or should have been foreseen. Expect adverse weather and stream flow conditions to occur. The cost of delay, loss, injury, or damage occurring to dikes, cofferdams, caissons, work bridges, haul bridges, or any other construction item or equipment, caused by adverse weather and stream flow conditions is the Contractor’s responsibility. The above requirements do not apply if the contract has reached the Final Acceptance under Subsection 105.17.2 . Provided the damage was not caused by the Contractor or Subcontractor, repair to items that have been accepted as complete is extra work under Subsection 104.03 and will be paid for under Subsection 109.04. A building is considered complete when it is fully functional and is open to the public. Payment for repair of damages resulting from public traffic and use does not entitle the Contractor to:

Conduct the work to ensure maximum convenience and safety to the general public and to the property owners adjacent to the work. Maintain access for adjacent property owners at all times. Take precautions to prevent damage to the project during work suspensions. Provide for drainage and erect all necessary temporary structures, signs, or other facilities at Contractor expense.

107.18CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR UTILITY PROPERTY AND SERVICES

Protect railway, telegraph, telephone, and power company properties or other property from damage, loss or inconvenience from construction before starting work. Cooperate with the utility owners in the removal and rearrangement of underground or overhead utility lines or facilities to minimize interruption to service and duplication of work by the utility owners. Call (811) or submit an electronic ticket (https://www.montana811.org ) for the marking and locating of utilities before beginning excavation work. The Department will locate existing Department owned utilities. If utilities are relocated or installed as part of the contract, the location of the relocated or newly installed utilities is the – LEGAL RELATIONS AND 2020 EDITION V5.1 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor remains responsible for the relocated or newly installed utilities until the utility is functioning and in use by the traveling public. Obtain insurance covering underground work per Subsection 107.13. Provide and maintain temporary drainage facilities if existing surface drainage, sewers, or underdrains are interrupted at Contractor expense until permanent drainage facilities are completed. Protect and preserve existing tile drains, sewers, other subsurface drains, conduits, and other underground structures affected by construction that can remain in use without any change. Immediately stop work if a utility line, cable, pipe, or other facility is exposed or damaged during the work. Notify the Project Manager and the utility company of the damage and its location. Cooperate with the utility company if utility services are interrupted due to an accidental break until service has been restored. The Project Manager will stop work in the area of the damaged utility should the Contractor not stop work voluntarily. Resume work upon notice from the Project Manager. No compensation is made for delays associated with utility damage caused by the Contractor’s work. The Department will withhold monies from estimates due or to become due the Contractor for all utility damage and related costs not reimbursed by the Contractor under this Subsection. Do not begin work around fire hydrants until provisions for continued service have been made and approved by the local fire authority. Provide continuous repair until service is restored if water service is interrupted. Repairs to damaged utility facilities or structures resulting from construction operations and negligence is at Contractor expense. Be responsible to the utility owners and operators for damage, injury, expense, loss, inconvenience, delay and for any legal suits, actions, or claims that may result from the work. The Department may require the Contractor to furnish protective public liability and property damage insurance to each corporation, company, partnership, or individual owning or operating the properties affected.

107.19FURNISHING RIGHT OF WAY

The Department will obtain all R/W for the project. Exceptions will be noted in the bid proposal and award of the contract may not be made until R/W is obtained. The submission of a bid is an affirmative statement that the bidder accepts this condition and waives any damage that could be claimed. Claims for damage or loss of anticipated profits because of this delay will not be considered by the Department. Consideration will be given for an appropriate extension of the contract time if the award is substantially delayed.

107.20PERSONAL LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS

The Department and its authorized representatives act solely as agents and representatives of the State when carrying out or exercising the power or authority granted under the contract. There is no liability to them either personally or as officials of the State.

107.21NO WAIVER OF LEGAL RIGHTS

Final Walk through under Subsection 105.17.1 does not prevent the Department from correcting any measurement, estimate, or certificate made before or after contract completion and from recovering from the Contractor, or surety, or both overpayments sustained for failure to fulfill the obligations under the contract. A Department waiver of any breach of any part of the contract does not constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. 2020 EDITION V5.1 LEGAL RELATIONS AND – 107 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC Be liable to the Department for latent defects, fraud, or gross mistakes as may amount to fraud, or with regards to the Department’s rights under any warranty or guaranty.

107.22PROTECTION OF ARCHEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL FINDINGS

Before construction starts, submit written evidence that no historic or pre-historic sites on or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places are located on property used for construction activities that are outside of the Department R/W. Submit the legal descriptions, the area involved, a description of the work activity, a site plan, and a description of the ground surface of all sites not included in the contract plans to the Project Manager for coordination with Department cultural staff. Within 10 business days, the Department will notify the Contractor if the presence of or potential for cultural resources exists in the areas and determine if a professional cultural resource survey is needed. If a survey is not required, no further cultural resource work is required. If a cultural resource survey is required, the Contractor must hire a professional cultural resource contractor to perform a survey. A directory of cultural resource contractors is available from the Department Archeologist. If the survey does not identify any historic or pre-historic site within the area of proposed disturbance, the Department will issue a notice to proceed for the work. If the cultural resource contractor or the Department identifies any historic or pre-historic sites within the proposed area of disturbance, the Department, in concert with SHPO will determine whether the site(s) may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Choose one of the following options if a site is eligible:

professional cultural resource contractor to perform all field work, surveys, etc. required to complete the process identified by the Department. No additional compensation or delay considerations are allowed under these requirements. Immediately stop work if suspected archeological, historical artifacts, or human remains are encountered. Immediately notify the Project Manager of the find. The Project Manager will stake the area to remain undisturbed until further notice.

107.23RESERVED

107.24RESERVED

107.25ACCESS TO CONTRACTOR’S RECORDS

Allow access by the Department or its authorized representative, and the FHWA to all project records, and the project records of all Subcontractor’s, under Section 18-1-118 MCA , by the Legislative Auditor and Legislative Fiscal Analyst to determine compliance with the contract terms.

107.26LIABILITY FOR CERCLA/CECRA CLAIMS

The Department will indemnify, protect, and hold harmless, the Contractor for any actions which the Department specifically directs or reasonably requires the Contractor to perform only if said action is the subject of litigation or administrative action under CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq., or CECRA (Section 75-10-701 et seq. MCA ), and it does not fall within the exceptions below. Indemnify, protect, and hold harmless the Department for any omissions or actions not specifically directed by the Department if said omissions or actions are the subject of litigation or administrative action pursuant to CERCLA or CECRA. Actions or omissions which are chosen – LEGAL RELATIONS AND 2020 EDITION V5.1 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC either in type, scope, location, amount, or method by the Contractor are not “specifically directed or reasonably required” by the Department. Further indemnify, protect, and hold harmless, the Department for any negligent actions by the Contractor, its subcontractors, their employees, or agents, including any actions that may be the subject of litigation or administrative action pursuant to CERCLA or CECRA. When the Contractor is directed by the contract to obtain hazardous material liability insurance coverage for a project; that contract requirement controls and has priority over this specification.

107.27DIESEL FUEL USED ON THE PROJECT

Use taxed clear fuel as required by state law to construct the project. Violation of state law may result in a six-month suspension of the violating firm from participation in Department contracts not already awarded on the date of suspension. Prime Contractors are responsible for compliance of their own equipment, and the equipment of all Subcontractors and their Subcontractors. Motor Carrier Services officers visiting a project site may obtain fuel samples from bulk tanks and supply tanks of vehicles, equipment, and other internal combustion engines at any time. The sample(s) may be analyzed for dye concentration by a laboratory selected by the Department.

107.28PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

involvement (PI) firm to develop and administer a communication plan. Coordinate activities with the PI firm or the Department. The name and contact information for the PI firm will be available from the Project Manager following award of the contract. Attend all public meetings held by the PI firm or the Department. Public meetings may be held up to once per week. Provide a brief description of current operations, an anticipated schedule of work for the upcoming week, description of current detours, delays, closures, and possible effects on residents and businesses, such as temporary loss of access and construction traffic.

intended operations at least 10 calendar days prior to the start of construction or any disruption of traffic.

beginning construction and disrupting traffic, coordinate with the PI firm or the Department to provide appropriate information to the media. This information must specify at a minimum the impact of the construction on the public, duration, sequence of the work, and project overview.

specification, the period “during construction” is defined as the time beginning at the point when normal traffic operations are first disrupted and ending when all work is complete. During this period, perform the following tasks:

information and Contractor phone number for problems and complaints regarding the project. Maintain these signs until the resumption of normal traffic operations. Install signs at locations approved by the Project Manager. Signs will be paid for in accordance with the Traffic Control Rate Schedule if required. 2020 EDITION V5.1 LEGAL RELATIONS AND – 107 RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC

individual businesses and residents at least 3 calendar days prior to conducting operations at locations that may affect their access or convenience.

to answer the phone during working hours, for public comments, questions, or complaints. Ensure the telephone has been connected and in service before any work is commenced that has the potential for inconveniencing any residence or business establishment adjacent to the project. Make the phone number available to the public by furnishing it to the PI firm or Department for news/information releases and including it in the traffic advisory constant loop on the Department’s portable radio station, if available. Do not use answering machines during working hours; answering machines are acceptable after working hours, with all messages answered by completion of the next workday. Maintain a written log of calls that identifies the caller; the nature of the comment, question, or complaint; and disposition. Make the log available upon request.

changes in project design, traffic control, or extra work to the Project Manager for approval before acting.

the Department so they can provide regular, at least once per month, project status reports and future impacts to the travelling public, landowners, and businesses. Make updates and traffic advisories available to them as well to facilitate positive news coverage. The goal is to garner news coverage of the project any time major changes or milestones occur. Coordinate with the PI firm or the Department so they can provide project advisories in the form of radio spots, if requested. Ensure advisories include the Contractor provided contact number for the public to call for additional information. Coordinate with the PI firm or the Department to update the advisories after every weekly progress meeting; or more often if conditions change substantially, such as significant unanticipated schedule changes and changes in detour routes as applicable. Public Relations and coordination with the PI firm is not measured separately for payment.