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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 8, 2010 5 7.A. Mn/DOT I694 Project Update (continued) Councilmember McClung asked if replacing the bridges in kind included exactly where they are now and enough room on the bridge to accommodate a third lane in each direction. - Mr. Lindeberg stated having three lanes on these bridges where they are currently located is difficult based on the geometrics that are used today. Mn/DOT would look at trying to make the new bridges large enough to try and increase capacity. He reviewed the noise analysis that has already been done for the entire corridor. Mn/DOT is proposing as part of this project to get more in depth with the noise studies. Councilmember Holden asked if the standard methodology was going to be used to determine if sound walls will work in this area, even though Highway 10 is now being turned into a major interstate. Mr. Lindeberg stated Mn/DOT uses the same standard noise process for every situation including interstates. Councilmember Holden clarified that this would not be good enough because Highway 10 is being changed into an interstate and this will change the quality of life for entire residential neighborhoods. Mr. Lindeberg stated as part of the noise analysis for this project Mn/DOT is in the process of hiring another consultant to review this. Once the consultant is on board, Mn/DOT would like to create a Noise Advisory Committee (NAC). The NAC should consist of the consultant, two to four residents that live within the project area, one Arden Hills Council Member, Mn/DOT staff and City staff. This committee would have three to five meetings to learn about Noise 101, what the process is, and what the rules and regulations are. There would be a meeting to discuss the preliminary findings of the noise study and ask the consultant questions. Subsequent meeting would be the result of these previous meetings. Councilmember Holden clarified that the purpose for the NAC is just educating the people. Mr. Lindeberg stated the committee would educate the people and work through the process by having this group of people work with the consultant on what their concerns are and what the study shows. As they work through the process they would provide input to make sure the study is looked at they way this group would like to have it looked at. Mayor Harpstead asked if neighboring cities have used NACs. He asked Mn/DOT to provide contact information so that Staff could contact them to discuss their experience with NAC. - Mr. Lindeberg stated it has been used before. One recent project was the Highway 62 Crosstown area. He clarified that he would provide contact information to Staff. Councilmember Holden stated the City has already been told that the methodology does not warrant sound walls. She asked how NAC was different and if it would get the City sound walls.