Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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Discuss the Results of the Crosstown Noise Monitoring Evaluation
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Submitted By: Heath Stocton P.E., Public Works Assistant Director
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Executive Summary (General Business): KCI Technologies, Inc. was hired to conduct a noise evaluation for the entire Crosstown Parkway corridor based upon resident complaints regarding noise generated by Crosstown Parkway traffic. As the evaluation progressed, staff was directed to include a 24-hour study within the area of the highest concentration of complaints which was near Crosstown/Floresta Superstreet intersection.
Presentation Information: Heath Stocton will introduce Andy Smith with KCI Technologies, Inc. who will provide a 30-minute presentation.
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council hear the presented information and provide concurrence with recommended course of action or provide staff direction.
Background: The Crosstown Bridge opened to traffic on September 28, 2019. Soon after the opening of the newly constructed portion of the Crosstown Parkway, complaints of traffic noise were received. Staff inspected the berm and landscaping and developed plans to enhance the landscaping along the berms to mitigate the noise on both sides of Crosstown Parkway, as well as to augment areas of sparse landscaping on previously constructed portions of Crosstown Parkway. All the proposed berm and landscaping improvements were in place prior to the first round of noise data collection. City Council directed staff by consensus to also conduct a noise evaluation of the entire corridor while ensuring that homes that lodged a complaint were specifically evaluated.
Issues/Analysis: The first step in the evaluation process was to monitor AM/PM peak hour post-construction noise levels to see how they compare to modeled (predicted) pre-construction noise levels. Traffic counts during monitoring were compared to the predictive model traffic to see how they relate. Actual volumes were comparative to those used in the modeling. Thirty-six (36) single-family residences were monitored along the corridor from Interstate-95 to the bridge approach crossing the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. These sites included the eleven (11) residents that have voiced concern with noise once the Crosstown Parkway Extension was completed.
The second step or phase was in response to resident concerns of off-peak hour noise levels. It was revealed during interviews that the residents near the “superstreet” were experiencing noise concerns during off-peak times, such as weekends and late at night. It should also be noted that the residents have great appreciation for the Police Department traffic patrols during the weekdays which contributes to lower speeds and reduced noise. This phase provided 24-hour monitoring of eight (8) residential properties which encompasses the entirety of the “superstreet” (including both eastbound and westbound u-turns).
Financial Information: TBD based upon recommended course of action.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Crosstown Parkway
Attachments:
1. Crosstown Parkway Noise Monitoring Technical Memorandum (Phase 1)
2. Presentation (Noise Monitoring Study Phase 1 & 2)
3. Location Map
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
N/A