Abstract
Major infrastructure projects unfold in complex environments where stakeholder tensions shape governance and perceptions of success. Traditional project management approaches rely on static success criteria—cost, time, and scope—while overlooking the evolving nature of stakeholder dynamics. This research-in-progress investigates how stakeholder tensions mediate the relationship between project articulation and stakeholder alignment, influencing success perceptions across project phases. Drawing on paradox theory and a processual perspective, we explore how tensions—rather than being obstacles—act as persistent forces shaping project trajectories. Using a longitudinal single-case study of a North American megaproject, we examine how tensions shift from development to execution, affecting stakeholder engagement. Preliminary findings suggest that adaptive tension management is crucial for sustaining legitimacy and project coherence. As our study progresses, we aim to refine a theoretical framework integrating tension dynamics and governance strategies, offering new insights into the evolving and negotiated nature of project.