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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 11, 2011 3 <br /> I.A I-694 Noise Analysis Review (continued) <br /> City Administrator Klaers indicated the cost per decibel was in the $5,000 range and the City <br /> was to assume funding one-third of the expense for the noise wall. <br /> Mr. Lindeberg stated this was the case. <br /> Councilmember Holmes questioned which homes in the Briarknoll area would be receiving the <br /> most noise mitigation. <br /> Mr. Lindeberg felt it was safe to say the first row of homes would receive the most noticeable <br /> benefit with a 3 decibel reduction in noise. He noted there were 30 homes that abut highway <br /> right-of-way near Hamline Avenue and only half would benefit from a noise wall. The noise wall <br /> was not effective in all areas of the City given changes in elevation. <br /> Councilmember Holmes asked if the pavement would be concrete and if this was louder than <br /> blacktop. <br /> Mr. Lindeberg indicated that all of I-694 would be concrete, which would be louder to begin <br /> with but quieter over time. He noted the concrete would be tined for drainage in a noise efficient <br /> manner. <br /> City Attorney Filla questioned when the sound wall would be constructed, before, after or during <br /> construction. <br /> Mr. Lindeberg indicated this would be determined by the contractor. <br /> Councilmember Tamble asked how far the sound wall would be built from the roadway. <br /> Mr. Lindeberg stated this would vary throughout the corridor. The noise wall would have to be <br /> at least 10 feet from the property line. <br /> City Attorney Filla inquired what the current noise levels were. <br /> Mr. Lindeberg stated the current numbers were around 68 decibels. He then reviewed how the <br /> noise wall would affect the area both now and into the future. A seven decibel reduction was <br /> predicted if a wall were constructed. However, only a two decibel increase was predicted if a wall <br /> were not constructed in 2030. <br /> Mayor Grant questioned the benefit of a noise wall given the expense that would have to be <br /> assumed by the City. <br /> Chris Chromy, Bolton & Menk, did not feel the $500,000 expense was wise as it would benefit <br /> only about 15 homeowners. This would be a tough decision, many trees would be removed and <br /> there may not be a noticeable difference. <br />