A look behind the (construction communication) scenes at infraproject A16 Rotterdam

In this edition of GWW, you get a great overview of all the work surrounding the A16 Rotterdam infra project, carried out by construction consortium De Groene Boog. This issue could not have come about without the extensive cooperation of De Groene Boog's construction and public communications team. Reason for us to give you a look behind the scenes. The two communications professionals behind construction communications are Irene van Oudenniel and Linda Euser, both dyed-in-the-wool when it comes to the world of construction and infra.

Teamwork at its best

Irene and Linda have earned their spurs when it comes to communication work within construction and infra. For Irene, the A16 Rotterdam infra project is her eighth project, and for Linda it is her seventh. The two have already successfully worked together before on the Rijnlandroute and are well attuned to each other. "It is and remains teamwork between construction communications and the public communications team at Rijkswaterstaat," Irene opens the conversation. "Construction communication on this type of project has three pillars. We inform the environment about the work and any resulting disruption, we keep Rijkswaterstaat informed about important steps in the progress, and we provide communication to the parent companies of The Green Arch."

Linda adds: "We see the A16 Rotterdam project as a brand. We initiate, coordinate, monitor and execute. That means there must be unambiguous, well-controlled messaging at all times, in all directions. We do that not only for the parent companies, but also for our subcontractors. Rijkswaterstaat does that with respect to public communications."

Pride may also be expressed

Besides taking care of all the coverage around the "need to know" issues, Irene and Linda like to walk a few steps harder for the project. "Simply because we ourselves are proud of what is being realized and we like to convey the pride with which everyone works. Builders are often modest, while big, complex and special things are being realized." Irene adds, "Construction cannot be done without inconvenience, but by visualizing the complexity of the work and showing how much work is being done, more understanding naturally develops. From 'nuisance by' to 'fascination with' the work!"

Timing and planning are critical

The work of communications consultants in such a project is a two-way street. Besides sending out messages and realizing content, Irene and Linda are bombarded daily with all kinds of questions via phone, whatsapp and e-mail. "We try to help everyone as best we can and manage all communication from a central point. Timing and planning are crucial. The cooperation with Rijkswaterstaat is also indispensable in this, which goes very well," Irene explains.

Both communications professionals have their hearts set on construction and infra and don't see themselves in any other role anytime soon, either. "We both hope to see the construction communications for this project through to the end. There is still so much to do!", Irene concludes.