Consider Recommendation to City Council to Submit Application for 2024 MnDOT Metro Standalone Noise Barrier Program

Over the years, Staff has received requests to construct a sound wall between Highway 10 and the properties abutting Beatty Avenue and Collins Drive in the southeast corner of the City.  In 2022, MnDOT completed a study through their MnDOT Metro Standalone Noise Barrier Program that showed this area ranked 135th out of 172 project areas and was found not to be cost-effective to construct sound wall improvements. More details on this program can be found on the following MnDOT website; https://dot.state.mn.us/environment/noise/metro.html

Below is some text copied from this website.  The underlined text reflects what would be the City’s responsibilities for paying a portion of the construction costs and for maintaining walls.  Due to these responsibilities, a case would need to be added to a Council agenda to authorize applying for these funds for a wall at the Beatty Avenue/Collins Drive neighborhood, or for other areas of the City. . 
 
In 2018, MnDOT Metro started using a solicitation-based process to select standalone noise barrier projects. Interested cities must fill out an application form and provide information about the area where a noise barrier is being requested. MnDOT then conducts a noise study and ranks the applications received based on existing noise levels, length of barrier, number of benefited homes, and cost effectiveness of a noise barrier. The top ranking noise barrier project(s) is then programmed into the MnDOT 4-year STIP. Applications are received annually from September 1 to December 31 and projects are selected before June of the following calendar year. Projects would typically be constructed 4-5 years out from the time of selection.
 
If a project is selected, local authorities must agree to contribute 10% of the total cost of the construction (as noted in the agreement). In addition, local authorities will also be responsible for the construction contract costs, which is typically 8% of
the local authority’s share of the construction costs. (Example: local authority’s total project cost is $100,000, then $100,000 X 8% = $8,000 additional project contract costs.).  MnDOT will maintain the structural soundness of the noise mitigation structure and will be accountable for the aesthetic quality of the structure on the freeway facing side only. The local governmental authority is required to maintain the resident’s side of the barrier. 

N/A

Staff estimates 10 minutes will be required ot present this case and respond to questions.

Timeline for solicitation:

• September 1, 2024 – Applications accepted
• December 31, 2024 – Applications due
• Jan to April, 2025 – MnDOT conducts noise analysis for applications received and ranks applications based on existing noise levels, length of barrier, number of benefited homes, and cost effectiveness of a noise barrier
• Spring 2025 – MnDOT announces selected project(s)
• 2025 to 2026 – Project(s) are scoped and programmed into MnDOT’s STIP and City’s CIP (as needed)
• 2026 to 2029 – MnDOT designs project(s) and coordinates with selected city
• FY 2030 – Begin project construction

 

Depends on discussions.

Staff has no recommendations at this time.

Provide directions to staff whether they should prepare a case for City Council approval to apply for noise barrier funding on behalf of the Beatty Avenue/Collins Drive area residents, or not.