Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street (County Road 83) Traffic Noise Concerns

Purpose
The purpose of this case is to discuss noise complaints on Armstrong Blvd.  to discuss possible solutions such as enforcement, speed limits, traffic volumes, and signage along Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street (County Road 83), and to receive Council direction on actions Staff should take to reasonably address noise concerns raised by residents along Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street.

Background
Concerns have been received on several occasions over the last year or so by more than one resident living along Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street (County Road 83) regarding excessive traffic noise.  Some of the noise concerns are related to illegal vehicle operations, which are controlled in part through the City's noise ordinance.  Attached is a copy of the existing noise ordinance language for reference.  Other contributing factors to this issue may include:

Traffic Volumes - The 2011 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volumes on Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street / County Road 83 ranged between 3,200 to 5,300 vehicles per day.  See attached 2011 traffic volumes map.  These volumes are well within the norm for a County Road.  This summer there has likely been additional truck traffic due to construction of the Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard interchange.  In addition, traffic patterns may have changed somewhat because of the road closures and detours associated with this project.  Once construction of the interchange project is complete, overall traffic noise levels could decrease as well.

Speed Limit - The existing speed limit is 55 mph.  Lowering the speed limit could help reduce overall traffic noise caused by the whine of tires on the pavement and engine noise due to acceleration/deceleration.  Speed limits are set by the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department.of Transportation (MnDOT).  Therefore, to revise the speed limit the City would need to submit a letter to Anoka County requesting a Speed Zone Study be completed on a specific segment of Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street / County Road 83 greater than one mile in length.  Anoka County staff would then request County Board approval in the form of a Resolution, which if approved would then be submitted to MnDOT.  A Speed Zone Study typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete so this would not be in effect until well after construction of the interchange is complete.  It is also important to note that the results of the Speed Zone Study could indicate that the speed limit should be increased, though this would not likely be an outcome of this study due to the existing speed limit of 55 mph.  It may therefore be best to wait until construction of the interchange is complete before considering a Speed Zone Study request. 

Enforcement - Enforcement of vehicle speeds could be increased along Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street if it is believed that high speeds are contributing to the noise, though staff has not observed a pattern of unusually loud noises coming from vehicles using this segment of road in recent months.  Concerns have also been raised that some of the trucks using this segment of road are intentionally bypassing the weigh scale on Highway 10 so enforcement efforts could also be increased to try to catch truck drivers in the act of bypassing the weigh scales.

Additional Signage -
Anoka County has indicated they would consider installing VEHICLE NOISE ORDINANCE ENFORCED signing within a specific segment of Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street / County Road 83 upon request.  Other signing options will be discussed during the work session.

Ordinance Amendments / Revisions -
Ordinance amendments / revisions could also be considered based on discussion during the work session.

Approximately 20 minutes including presentation and discussion.

Funding amounts and sources will vary depending on the course of action chosen.

City Administrator Kurt Ulrich will introduce the discussion.  Chief of Police Jeff Katers will be present to address questions related to enforcement efforts, signage recommendations, and noise ordinance revisions.  City Engineer Bruce Westby will be present to address questions related to speed limit revisions and potential impacts to noise.  Chief Katers is also planning on having a commercial vehicle inspector present for questions.

The anticipated outcome of this case is to receive clear direction from Council on what steps to take to reduce vehicle noise issues along Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street.  This includes waiting for construction of the interchange to be completed before considering taking further action such as requesting a Speed Zone Study, adding additional signing, increasing enforcement activities along the segment of Armstrong Boulevard / Baugh Street north of Alpine Drive, or amending / revising ordinance language.