Traffic noise analysis and noise barriers
Traffic noise and traffic noise impacts were frequently cited as a concern in public comments. This feedback was a primary factor in recommending certain Hwy 252 interchange configurations for further study in 2024-2025.
Noise levels conditions for existing and potential design options will be studied as part of the proposed Hwy 252/I-94 project in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. These noise levels will be analyzed to see which areas along the project area exceed the Federal noise standards. For areas where noise standards are exceeded, noise reduction techniques such as noise walls will be analyzed to see if they meet the necessary noise reduction and cost effectiveness criteria. For areas that meet the necessary criteria, a noise wall proposal will be developed, and eligible property owners and residents will be contacted to participate in a voting process. Eligible properties are ones that would receive a five decibel or higher reduction in sound from a noise wall. They will be able to vote for or against any proposed noise wall before it moves forward for construction as a part of the project.
Noise wall workshops
Noise wall workshops will be held within each community. These will be topic-focused workshops, with the intent of hosting up to three separate sessions in each community as the project moves through alternative selection, mitigation development, and noise wall voting. The noise wall workshops are anticipated to take place in summer 2026 and will provide an opportunity to vote on noise walls during the public comment period following the publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).
Visual Quality Advisory Committee
A Visual Quality Advisory Committee will be established for this project. Committee members will be selected through consultation with MnDOT staff, agency stakeholders, and other relevant considerations. The committee will meet periodically throughout the project, with meeting dates and times to be determined. The committee’s role will be to provide input and feedback on visual quality aspects of the project and to offer suggestions for broader engagement on this topic. The advisory committee will have no formal decision-making authority. The Visual Quality Advisory Committee is expected to begin meeting after completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Air quality
Air quality was frequently cited as a concern in public comments in the previous phase of the study. Because of the sensitivity of this topic, we have chosen to conduct a Mobile Source Air Toxic (MSAT) Analysis. This analysis will help determine whether the design options are likely to increase or decrease emissions compared to the road today.
A project-level analysis of carbon monoxide levels will study the current high-volume intersections on Hwy 252 that are considered CO hotspots. This analysis will help the region remain below thresholds for CO pollution. We will also prepare a greenhouse gas analysis as part of the design options evaluation.
Watch the recording from the air quality table talk.
