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• WS — Item 4. WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item 4. Date: January 7, 2008 To: City Council From: James E. Studenski, City Engineer Re: Traffic Noise Abatement Study (35W Corridor) Background In July 2007 the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) contacted the City regarding the Metro Division Highway Traffic Noise Abatement Study. MNDOT analysis of the results of this study ranked the area north of 35W from Sunset Road to Savannah Court, as shown on the attached map as having a high priority for noise wall construction. The study took into account the residential density of the area, proximity to 35W and the noise impact based on readings taken in the area. This item was discussed at the October 1, 2007 work session meeting. On October 29, 2007 a neighborhood meeting was held with residents from 50 properties on the north side of 35W between Sunset Road and Savannah Court in attendance. All the residents in attendance expressed support for the construction of a noise wall except for Pomp's Tire, a commercial business located on Apollo Court. The noise wall will be approximately 2,320 feet long, 20 feet high and will be made up of large concrete posts and wood planking. To minimize tree pruning, tree removal, tree replacement and the impact of wall construction on adjacent properties the wall alignment will vary form 10 to 20 feet from the right -of -way line of 35W. Noise wall planking will be placed on the residential side of the wall when it is 10 feet from the right -of -way line and will be placed on the 35W side in all other locations. Also attached are the MNDOT preliminary plans for the noise wall. MNDOT has estimated the wall cost to be approximately $835,000, which will be 100% percent funded by the MNDOT noise abatement program. Any costs for additional noise wall aesthetics or additional plantings will be the responsibility of the City. MNDOT and the City have completed the preliminary phase of the noise wall design; the next step will be a resolution authorizing MNDOT to complete plans and specifications and construct the noise wall. The project schedule will depend on MNDOT funding with the contract to be tentatively awarded in the either the fall of 2008 or the fall of 2009. Requested Council Direction Staff is requesting approval to prepare a resolution authorizing MNDOT to complete plans and specifications and construct the noise wall. This resolution will be presented for consideration at the January 28, 2008 Council meeting. 1