12/07/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WS — Item 1 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item 1 Date: Council Work Session, December 7, 2009 To: City Council From: Michael Grochala Re: I -35W Sound Wall Background The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) recently completed construction of a sound wall along the north side of I -35W extending from Sunset Avenue to approximately the eastern edge of the Apollo Meadows Townhomes. On September 18, 2009 the City received a petition requesting that the City and /or Mn/DOT erect a sound barrier along the south side of 35W, past St. Joseph's to the elementary or middle school. Several residents attended the September 28, 2009 City Council meeting to express their concerns stating that noise levels have increased since the installation of the north wall. The council directed staff to forward these concerns to Mn/DOT and report back to the council on the matter. The sound barrier construction along the north side of 35W was initiated and funded by Mn/DOT based on a prioritization list developed following completion of a Highway Noise Abatement Study conducted in 2001. While the south side of 35W does qualify for inclusion on the priority list, its ranking was not as high as the north side. Noise monitoring by Mn/DOT, after the installation of the wall, showed that 2009 noise levels are lower than those taken in 2001. The noise level readings were taken at the same location, south of the freeway, for both the 2001 and 2009 measurements. The area in question currently ranks 105th on Mn/DOT's current project ranking list. Funding for sound barriers is extremely limited. The top 13 projects are identified for possible funding through 2018. As an alternative the city could pay for construction of the project. However, funding would need to come from special assessments to benefiting property owners and /or voter approved property tax levy. Staff is not certain that these are viable alternatives. 1