Meeting_Body
REVISED
AD HOC CONGESTION, HIGHWAY AND ROADS COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 20, 2019
Subject
SUBJECT: SOUNDWALL PROGRAM ANALYSIS, DELIVERY OPTIONS AND FUNDING
Action
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE Countywide soundwall program outline and analysis of potential delivery options to construct the remaining prioritized retrofit soundwall projects, utilizing materials currently approved by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for construction of soundwalls and funding opportunities in response to the October 25, 2018 Board Motion 9.1.
Issue
ISSUE
In October 2018, the Board directed staff to identify options to fund and construct the remaining soundwalls on the Post-1989 soundwall lists. This report presents a short term plan to fund the remaining Phase I soundwalls and a long term plan to fund the soundwalls in Phase II.
Background
BACKGROUND
Metro assumed the responsibility for delivery of the retrofit soundwall projects in Los Angeles County after the passage of SB 45 in 1999 1998. Prior to that, Caltrans was responsible for nominating soundwalls for funding through the California Transportation Commission (CTC) and constructing soundwalls along the freeway system.
The majority of the soundwall needs after passage of SB 45 consisted of retrofit soundwalls needed to alleviate noise levels in qualified communities adjacent to freeways with no active freeway improvement projects. New freeway improvement projects are required to evaluate noise impacts and consider the construction of soundwalls as part of project mitigation requirements.
In order for a location to qualify for retrofit soundwalls, it must meet all of the following criteria:
* Residential property built prior to the freeway or prior to a freeway capacity enhancing project.
* Exposed to an hourly noise level exceeding the 67-decibel (Leg) threshold established by Federal and State agencies.
* Achieve at least a 5-decibe...
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