DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Vote No Regarding Construction Of Three Noise Walls Adjacent To County State Aid Highways 50 And 5 Near Interstate 35 Interchange Ramps, County Project 50-33
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the County Engineer/Transportation Division Director to vote no regarding the construction of three noise walls adjacent to County State Aid Highways (CSAH) 50 and CSAH 5 and their multi-use trails near the Interstate 35 (I-35) interchange ramps, County Project (CP) 50-33.
SUMMARY
To provide a safe and efficient transportation system, staff is proceeding with work on CP 50-33 which includes the reconstruction of the bridges and the interchange at Interstate 35 and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 50/CSAH 5 to replace the existing deficient interchange and coordinate with strategic capacity needs on I-35 (Attachment: Project Location Map). County staff received authorization to submit the recommended layout to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for review by Resolution No. 25-067 (January 21, 2025). The project is included in the adopted 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Ten noise walls along CSAH 50/5 and I-35 were studied as part of the project, in accordance with federal and state traffic noise-mitigation requirements. Noise wall construction decisions are based on the eligibility of the project as determined by changes to noise conditions and consideration of three factors: (1) noise reduction design goals, (2) cost-effectiveness of specific noise wall segments, and (3) the inputs from benefited residents and property owners through a weighted vote. Cost-effective noise reduction from the construction of a wall must cost less than or equal to $78,500 per benefited receptor (receptors represent locations where persons are exposed to noise). A benefit is possible when a receptor is projected to achieve a reduction of 5 decibels or more with the noise wall.
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