6A, Public Hearing to Consider a Noise Wall for 96 and 35W

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MEMORANDUM DATE: August 25, 2009 TO: Mayor and City Council Ron Moorse, City Administrator FROM: Kristine Giga, Civil Engineer SUBJECT: Public hearing to consider a noise wall 1300 feet in length along the north side of County State Aid Highway 96 between Interstate 35 West and US Highway 10 BACKGROUNDlDISCUSSION Ramsey County is developing plans to reconstruct the intersection of County Highway 96 (CSAH 96) and US Highway 10 (TH 10). As part of the process and in accordance with state and federal environmental rules, the County has evaluated a number of issues along the corridor. One of the issues analyzed was highway noise. The noise analysis has indicated that highway noise in the northwest quadrant of the intersection would exceed state standards. A noise wall was evaluated at this location as a potential means for mitigating the noise levels. The analysis concluded that a noise wall in this area would meet the cost reasonableness criteria. This proposed noise wall location is shown on the attached drawing. Also shown are the approximate shadows that would be created both by a 10-foot high and a 20-foot high wall at different times of the day and at different times of year. Prior to concluding the noise mitigation process and pursuant to State and Federal rules, Ramsey County needs to verify that the majority of the property owners adjacent to the noise wall support its construction. The consultant that is designing this project will present the findings of the environmental study relating to noise impacts of the project and discuss the Mn/DOT policy at the Council meeting. The City of Arden Hills is conducting a public hearing as a part of this process in order to consider a resolution of support or rejection. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS If constructed, the proposed noise wall will be funded as a part of the intersection project. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION Receive input from residents in order to consider a resolution of support or rejection for a noise wall along CSAH 96 between I-35W and TH 10. \\Metro-inet\ardenhills\Admin\Council\Agendas & Packet Information\2009\08-31-09 Regular\Packet Information\6A - 8-31- 09Memo_NoiseWallHearing.doc