Maple Grove, Dayton, St. Michael, Albertville, Monticello, Hasty, Clearwater
Traffic noise analysis and noise barriers
Traffic noise is being studied along I-94. Specific results for the noise analyses are available within the Environmental Documents for each project.
Noise barriers are solid obstructions built between the highway and properties along the highway designed to reduce the noise level of vehicles. Barriers can be either berms or high vertical walls. Constructing a noise wall must be feasible and reasonable. Feasibility and reasonableness are determined by cost, amount of noise reduction, safety, and site considerations.
For more information about traffic noise analysis and noise barriers, please visit MnDOT’s Noise Webpage.
Traffic noise along I-94 west between Maple Grove and Rogers exceeds the state and federal noise standards. A noise study concluded that four noise walls along I-94 in Maple Grove would meet the necessary criteria to reduce noise for properties adjacent to I-94 by at least five decibels.
Specific results for the noise analysis are available within the Environmental Document for the I-94 Maple Grove to Rogers work area.
The proposed noise walls are 20-foot tall structures built with concrete panels and posts, with the exception of Wall NB13, which will be made of wood planks and concrete posts. The noise walls will be installed as part of the overall construction project.
Noise Wall Voting
MnDOT sent notices and noise wall ballots to people who were eligible to vote. Only the property owners or residents who would experience a noise level reduction of at least five decibels from the proposed noise walls were allowed to vote on the walls.
Noise Wall voting period: Fri, Jan. 11 to Sat, March 23, 2019 Noise Wall voting meeting: Feb. 7, 2019
*Note that the wall voting period was extended for Walls NB3 and NB12
Final voting tally (as of March 25, 2019)
Wall NB1
East side of I-94 between Weaver Lake Rd. and Trail Bridge in Maple Grove
Total eligible points: 96
Yes Points: 90 (94%)
No Points: 1 (1%)
Decision: Wall will be constructed
Wall NB3
East side of I-94 between Trail Bridge and 93rd Ave. N. in Maple Grove
Total eligible points: 192
Yes Points: 82 (43%)
No Points: 21 (11%)
Decision: Wall will be constructed
Wall NB12
West side of I-94 between Weaver Lake Rd. and Wedgewood Way N. in Maple Grove
Total eligible points: 351
Yes Points: 174 (50%)
No Points: 39 (11%)
Decision: Wall will be constructed
Wall NB13
West side of I-94 between Wedgewood Way N and 73rd Ave. N. in Maple Grove
Total eligible points: 156
Yes Points: 103 (66%)
No Points: 0 (0%)
Decision: Wall will be constructed
Community Noise Engagement Committee
As part of the environmental review of the I-94 Maple Grove to Rogers Project, a Community Noise Engagement committee (CNE) has been developed to communicate the noise evaluation process to the surrounding neighborhoods.
The committee consists of representatives from neighborhoods adjacent to the I-94 project area and city staff.
The goals of this committee are to:
Inform residents when MnDOT is conducting a noise analysis in their community.
Provide two-way communication between the community and project team.
Educate residents regarding the noise evaluation process.
Review noise analysis methodology and results.
Provide feedback to city council and communicate project information to neighborhood residents, including noise barrier voting information.
Visit the meetings page for CNE meeting information.
Noise Walls: Monticello to Clearwater
Noise Wall Voting
MnDOT has sent notices and noise wall ballots to people who are eligible to vote. Only the property owners or residents who experience a noise level reduction of at least five decibels from the proposed noise walls can vote on the walls. View the map of the proposed location.
North side of WB I-94, between W. River St. and east of Elwood Rd. in Monticello
Total eligible points: 410
Yes Points: 330 (80%)
No Points: 4 (1%)
Decision: Wall will be constructed
Noise wall voting process
If a noise wall meets the necessary criteria, then it will be proposed as part of the project and MnDOT will seek input from the community.
Who is eligible to vote on whether a noise barrier should be constructed?
MnDOT will send notices and noise wall ballots to people who are eligible to vote. Only the property owners or residents who experience a noise level reduction of at least five decibels from the proposed noise walls can vote on the wall.
How does voting work?
If 50 percent or more of all possible voting points from eligible voters are received after the first request for votes, the majority of votes (based upon the votes received) determines the outcome. If less than 50 percent of the possible voting points for a wall are received after the first request, a second ballot will be mailed to the eligible voters who did not respond.
If 25 percent or more of all possible points for a barrier are received after the second request for votes, then the outcome is determined by the majority of votes received. If less than 25 percent of total possible points for a noise barrier are received after the second request for votes, then the barrier will NOT be constructed. If there is a tie, where there are equal numbers of points for and against a noise wall, the noise wall WILL be constructed.
What happens if I didn't vote?
If you don’t vote, the voting points assigned to you do not count for or against the noise wall.
How are the votes counted?
MnDOT uses a weighted voting system. Points are determined by how much your property or unit is affected by the noise wall and whether or not you own the property or unit. If a noise wall is voted down, it will not be reconsidered.
