Traffic

50th Avenue Roundabout and Pioneer Street Widening Project January 2020 to 2021

Washington DOT
Ridgefield, Washington

MM&A performed a technical noise analysis for the 50th Avenue Roundabout and Pioneer Street Widening Project in Clark County, Washington and prepared as requested by the City of Ridgefield. This project would widen Pioneer Street to a 5-lane section between Royle Road and 56th Place and construct a new roundabout at 50th Avenue. The analysis included noise monitoring, noise model validation, noise modeling for existing and future conditions and an analysis of noise walls. The analysis identified 23 residences with noise impacts, with the majority found at the Pioneer Canyon residential community, where noise abatement was considered. The proposed noise wall provided noise reductions of 7 to 9 dB, and was reasonable and feasible under WSDOT policy. For those locations where impacts were identified and no noise abatement is recommended, information describing why noise abatement was not reasonable and/or feasible is provided. MM&A published the noise study and continues to provide support. 

I-5, Thorne Lane to Gravelly Lake Drive Improvements
February 2022 to Current

Washington DOT

MM&A performed a technical noise analysis for the North Study Area of the I-5 Joint Base Lewis McChord – Congestion Relief Project as requested by Washington State Department of Transportation. The primary purpose of this analysis was to review two noise walls located along JBLM property in the McChord Family Housing area, between Thorne Lane SW and just north of Gravelly Lake Drive SW. Noise impacts were identified at 97 residences and noise levels exceed 66 dBA Leq along a walking path. There are currently two noise walls in this area that were constructed by the Housing Authority at JBLM, were not analyzed for acoustical properties by JBLM prior to construction and are not effective at providing notable noise reduction.

Two new noise walls were considered for the area with residential impacts between Thorne Lane and Gravelly Lake Drive. One of the walls meets all WSDOT criteria for reasonable and feasible noise abatement. However, construction of the wall would require removal of the existing noise wall, and the added cost of removing this wall would increase the overall wall cost above the allowable amount. Further, there are security concerns from JBLM as Wall #7 is along the base property line and removing it would require some form of replacement or other security measure. Final consideration is being performed by WSDOT.

Grace Avenue Realignment
January 2022 through July 2022

Washington DOT and MacKay & Sposito, Inc.
Battle Ground, Washington

The purpose of the SE Grace Avenue Phase II Project is to improve traffic flow and safety at the intersection of E Main Street and along SE Grace Avenue between E Main Street and SE Rasmussen Boulevard. Figure 1 provides an overview of the project area. As part of this study, on-site inspection and noise monitoring was performed, with measured noise levels ranging from 65.1 to 66.6 dBA Leq. Using traffic volumes from project traffic engineers, and the Traffic Noise Model (TNM) from the Federal Highway Administration, noise levels were modeled at 90 independent locations to determine the potential overall noise effects of the project and identify project impacts. The analysis identified 11 residences with noise impacts under the Build alternative. Noise abatement was not considered for any of the impacts because not enough receivers would benefit from a noise wall or because receivers were in locations that would prevent construction of a wall. MM&A published the noise study and continues to provide support.

West Cashmere Bridge Replacement Project

Chelan County
Cashmere, Washington

Chelan County Public Works Department plans to replace the 85-year-old West Cashmere Bridge (Goodwin Road), which spans the Wenatchee River near Cashmere, Washington. The current bridge terminates in a circular drive that cannot be navigated by vehicles with trailers. A new structure is proposed to be constructed in the approximate same location with a new connection to Hay Canyon Road. A Traffic Noise Analysis is required whenever a Type I project is federally funded or requires FHWA approval. MM&A performed the noise analysis, which included on-site inspection and noise monitoring with traffic counts, modeling existing and future noise levels and determining project noise impacts and evaluation of abatement measures. A detailed noise technical report was produced and approved by WSDOT.

Canyon Road and Bridge Replacement Project Activities

Pierce County and Washington State DOT
Puyallup, Washington

MM&A has led the noise and air analysis for the Canyon Road projects since late 2012. During this time, we have prepared a technical air quality analysis for the Phase 1 project work, completing that effort in early 2013. In late 2015, MM&A performed detailed noise monitoring and site visits and derived the affected environment section for an upcoming noise study. The monitoring was performed on both sides of the river and included sites in the Majestic Manor manufactured home park. Using the measured noise levels and traffic counts, MMA produced a validated FHWA Traffic Noise Model that is used to predict impacts and design mitigation and completed the technical noise study. The results of the study included one noise wall at the Ardena Gale Mobile Home Park. Impacts were identified and abatement was also considered for the Majestic Mobile Manor and RV Park, three receivers at Riverside Villas, and one receiver at the intersection of 52nd Street East and 66th Avenue East, however none were able to meet WSDOT requirements and were not recommended.

Confluence Parkway

City of Wenatchee Public Works / Washington State DOT
June 2019 through July 2022
Wenatchee, Washington

The Confluence Parkway Project is a proposed 2.5-mile bypass corridor that is intended to reduce congestion on SR 285/North Wenatchee Avenue. The corridor would have one vehicle travel lane and bicycle lane in each direction. In general, the project corridor is a mixed-use land area of commercial properties, residences, hotels, parks, a railway alignment, natural areas, recreation facilities, and schools. Specific areas of concern include the Horan Natural Area, an undeveloped, riverfront passive park with hiking trails, including the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail, and wildlife and scenic viewing areas. Noise monitoring was performed at 22 different locations along the corridor and modeled at 126 independent locations to determine the potential overall noise effects of the project and identify project impacts. Several traffic noise abatement measures were considered for the noise impacts in the Horan Natural Area and along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. A berm wall combination that would limit the increase in traffic noise and maintain noise levels in the natural area to below the FHWA Category 1 criteria was developed. Our work also included the noise analysis for a new roundabout and connection at McKittrick Street, analysis of a new staff housing for the Wenatchee Confluence State Park and Campgrounds. Mr. Minor worked closely with the City of Wenatchee and assisted with WSDOT and FHWA reviews and meetings.

43rd Avenue SE – SR 524 to Sunset Road and 180th Street SE

Snohomish County / Washington State DOT
Maltby, Washington

MM&A produced a Noise Discipline Report for the 43rd Avenue SE / Sunset Road Improvement Project, at the request of the Snohomish County Public Works. MM&A performed a detailed traffic noise study, including monitoring the existing noise levels, modeling existing and future traffic noise using TNM. This project is unique as it developed a new north-south connection through a rural area. Due to this new connection, multiple residences are predicted to experience increases of up to 14 dB over existing conditions. Noise mitigation was considered for all affected residences; however, none meet the WSDOT criteria for reasonable and feasible noise abatement. Mr. Minor attended the public meeting to provide support and respond to questions about the project and future area noise levels. Mr. Minor authored the noise technical report and worked closely with Snohomish throughout the project design period.

Ash Way Improvement Project

Washington State DOT
Everett, Washington

Snohomish County was seeking federal assistance to provide improvements to the Ash Way Corridor. The corridor is an important north-south route to and from Interstate 5 and 164th Street SW, and between park-and-ride lots at 134th Street SW/4th Avenue West and 164th Street SW. A multi-purpose corridor along 2.2 miles of Ash Way is proposed to improve pedestrian and bicycle use, transit access, stormwater quality, and traffic flow. Improvements are required to address future growth and public safety. To obtain federal funding, providing a noise analysis is typically required for new or widened roadways. MM&A worked with WSDOT on the project and determined that there would be no noticeable increase in noise directly related to the project improvements.  MM&A authored the noise memorandum certifying the findings and worked closely with Snohomish throughout the project design period.

Federal Way City Center Access Project
2020 - 2021

Washington State DOT
Federal Way, Washington

MM&A performed a detailed traffic noise analysis for the corridor. The noise analysis included monitoring noise levels, modeling existing and future traffic noise levels using TNM, and conducting a detailed noise mitigation analysis. The noise study identified three noise walls that meet the WSDOT criteria for feasible and reasonable traffic noise abatement and were recommended for construction with the project. One noise wall was a replacement wall along the Belmor Park manufactured home community, which is also along the potential route for the future Link light rail to Tacoma. Mr. Minor had several meetings with Sound Transit to discuss a unified approach to providing the noise mitigation in this area and provided a summary of the noise mitigation for this area with the light rail along Belmor Park. One mitigation option with three independent noise walls is shown to the right.

MM&A performed the noise analysis, which included on-site inspection and noise monitoring with traffic counts, modeling existing and future noise levels and determining project noise impacts and evaluation of abatement measures. A detailed noise technical report was produced and approved by WSDOT.

I-5 JBLM Congestion Relief Project, South Study Area
2018 - 2019

Washington State DOT

The I-5 JBLM Congestion Relief Project is part of a comprehensive, long-term transportation solution that addresses congestion, safety, and mobility problems on I-5 near Joint Base Lewis McChord. MM&A performed a supplemental noise analysis as part of the project’s new interchange at Exit 119 and also provided final design of two noise walls, providing 8 to 12 dB of reduction from I-5 traffic noise at base housing. Mr. Minor worked closely with the design team at Parametrix to address concerns on the locations of the walls, wall heights, and optimized the walls to obtain the maximum noise reduction, while maintaining one of the walls on WSDOT property. MM&A published the supplemental noise study and provided the design team with final noise wall elevations. The project was delivered well below the estimated budget.

Waterfront Seattle and the Alaskan Way, Promenade, and Overlook Walk Noise Analysis

City of Seattle

Following the replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall, construction of a new SR 99 tunnel and demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle established a new public waterfront between the Stadium District and Myrtle-Edwards Park. The remaining reclaimed right-of-way was converted into a network of public areas and green spaces that will present the city with a new waterfront experience. Mr. Minor provided two separate detailed noise studies with noise level predictions for over 2,000 residences and other noise-sensitive properties. Several types of mitigation measures were reviewed for their potential to reduce noise impacts. All of the measures reviewed were determined to be infeasible, in conflict with project objectives, or not cost effective. Although there are no clear, reasonable, and feasible methods of reducing noise in this area, the noise study shows that the overall noise levels under the proposed reclamation would be up to 12 dBA lower than the noise levels were with the viaduct in operation. The removal of the viaduct, restoration of the corridor, and reduced speeds would all combine to make the corridor more livable for residents than before the project.

South Lander Street Grade Separation Project

Washington State DOT
City of Seattle

The primary purpose of the South Lander Street Grade Separation Project is to provide a grade separation between the roadway and the BNSF tracks to reduce delays and improve safety for all users. The street currently intersects with four BNSF tracks at an at-grade crossing located between Occidental Ave and 3rd Ave S. Available data indicate that more than half of the BNSF rail cars that move through Washington go through the S Lander St crossing, contributing to vehicular delays averaging over 4½ hours each day. Based on evaluation of the study area noise environment, topography, and existing structures, the analysis concluded that there are no sites where a noise-sensitive property would have a new line of sight to the proposed elevated S Lander St overpass, and the change in the horizontal alignment is only approximately 6 feet north of the existing roadway’s centerline. As a result, the project does not meet the FHWA criteria for a Type 1 noise study.

Columbia River Crossing Project

David Evans and Associates, Inc.
Oregon and Washington State DOTs
Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington

The Columbia River Crossing project is a comprehensive, long-term transportation solution that addresses congestion, safety, and mobility problems on I-5 between Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA. Essential elements of the five-mile project include: replacement of the I-5 bridge, a light rail extension to Vancouver, rebuilding five closely-spaced interchanges, wider pedestrian and bicycle paths, and electronic tolling. Over the five years we have been involved, MM&A has performed traffic, bus, and light rail noise analyses. We recommended sound walls in both states; requiring two different reasonability and feasibility analyses. We worked with the project environmental team and met with local residents, the U.S. Forest Service, and bicycle and pedestrian advocates on noise impacts related to the project.

SR-520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project

Parametrix, Inc. & Washington State DOT
Seattle, Washington

The purpose of the SR-520 Bridge Replacement and HOV project is to improve mobility for people and goods on SR-520 while minimizing negative impacts to neighborhoods and the environment. The SR-520 Project is one of the largest transportation projects in the State of Washington and MM&A has been working on the SR 520 project since September 2000, when it was called the Trans-Lake Washington Project. Since that time, we have authored five noise studies and are in the process of completing the last three. MM&A used the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) Version 2.5 to build several traffic models to assist with early design concepts in addition to working closely with community groups and attending several meetings with the client and city mayors on sound wall locations and design issues.

Pontoon Construction Project

Parametrix, Inc. & Washington State DOT
Seattle, Washington

Michael Minor was the Task Manager for noise and vibration analysis of the proposed Pontoon Construction Site Environmental Impact Statement. Analysis requirements include predicting potential noise and vibration impacts due to the construction and operation of two pontoon construction sites for the SR-520 Floating Bridge. Michael analyzed potential noise related to the construction of the facilities, haul truck traffic, and heavy rail accessing the facilities. He also analyzed the general operations of the facility, including noise from concrete batch plants, haul trucks, and other related noise sources. Mitigation measures were proposed for the site alternatives, including noise berms, sound wall, and operational measures that would keep noise levels to within the Noise Control Ordinance in the Washington State Administrative Code. MM&A authored reports, met with the client and contractors, and assisted with the final environmental documents.

137th Roundabout Project

DEA, Inc. & WSDOT
City of Vancouver, Washington

MM&A performed technical noise and air quality analysis for a proposed roundabout in Vancouver, Washington. We modeled traffic noise using FHWA Traffic Noise Model, authored noise technical report, attended public meetings, and performed construction noise analysis. MM&A authored both noise and air quality reports for the project.

West Main Street Realignment Project

OTAK, Inc. & WSDOT
City of Kelso, Washington

Noise Analysis: The West Main Street Realignment Project stems from concerns over growing traffic, congestion, and accidents along the West Main Street corridor in Kelso, Washington. The goal of the project is to redevelop the streets in the area to deal with those issues, and at the same time, provide a desirable business-friendly environment. MM&A performed a detailed traffic noise study for this project which included monitoring noise levels within the project corridor, performing existing and future traffic noise projections using TNM, and conducting a detailed noise mitigation analysis. Noise mitigation was considered for all affected residences and two noise barriers along the southern portion of the new alignment were found to meet the WSDOT reasonable and feasible criteria. Air Quality Analysis: The City of Kelso is located in an area that is in attainment of State and Federal air quality standards. Our analysis showed that no significant air quality impacts are expected from the traffic using the reconfigured roadways. We also confirmed that the project meets the Conformity Requirements of the Clean Air Act. MM&A authored the air quality technical report and worked with the client on specific air quality issues.

Interstate 205 Preservation and Auxiliary Lane Project

OBEC Inc. & ODOT
Portland, Oregon

Noise analysis Task Manager for construction and operation of two auxiliary lanes along I-205 from Stafford Road to I-5. Analysis requirements included measuring and predicting the existing noise environment along project corridor. Our team predicted noise impacts along the revised highway, worked with the project design team and performed a detailed analysis of potential noise walls options. For this project, several wall options were analyzed, including a two-wall system designed to accommodate the split-level highway near Tualatin. Due to elevations issues, no walls met the ODOT feasibility and reasonability criteria. MM&A interfaced directly with the client (ODOT), attended public and city meetings, authored the project noise technical report, and obtained a nighttime construction noise variance.

Highway 217 Traffic Noise Study

City of Beaverton and ODOT
Beaverton, Oregon

Performed a detailed traffic noise study for the addition of an auxiliary lane to Highway 217. Met with affected residents, monitored noise levels, performed existing and future traffic noise projections using TNM, and performed a detailed noise mitigation analysis. Analyzed noise walls in accordance with ODOT standards and attended public meetings to support the project with Dave Goodwin, ODOT. The noise walls for this area were not able to meet ODOT feasibility and reasonability criteria.

Sunnyside Road Widening and Improvements

Clackamas County and ODOT

Performed initial EA's and final design noise analysis for the widening of Sunnyside Road between Interstate 205 and SE 172nd Avenue. Performed final design noise modeling analysis and provided base-of-wall (BOW) and top-of-wall (TOW) elevations for 11 individual noise barriers. Attended and made presentations at community meetings and with members of Clackamas County. Resolved issues with unmitigated section of the roadway and made on-site visit to concerned residents. Provided EA noise technical study and the final design noise technical report.

US 26: NW 185th Ave - Cornell Rd.

ODOT
Washington County, Oregon

Michael Minor & Associates has worked with ODOT on projects along the Sunset Highway for over 15 years. We worked extensively with several different ODOT construction managers on the Sylvan Interchange improvements, general highway widening projects, noise monitoring of nighttime constriction activities and blasting. We also assisted in obtaining noise variances from the City of Portland and Washington County. (2007)

SR-522: Cathcart Road Vicinity to US 2

WSDOT and Parametrix, Inc.
Seattle, Washington

MM&A performed a detailed traffic noise analysis for improvements and widening of a 4.3-mile corridor of State Route (SR) 522 between the vicinity of Cathcart Road and United States Highway 2 (US 2) in Monroe, Washington. MM&A performed measurements of the existing conditions, predicted the future No-Build and future Build noise levels and identified noise impacts. MM&A worked closely with WSDOT and the design team at Parametrix, Inc. to develop and include the noise-reducing effects of 42-inch traffic safety barriers along the highway, which was elevated on an earth berm, approximately 12 to 20 feet above the grade of the residences. The addition of the safety barrier was sufficient to reduce noise levels to well below the FHWA and WSDOT traffic abatement criteria, saving the State a substantial amount of cost by not needing any noise walls. MM&A also provided the project team with a detailed construction noise analysis and a blasting noise analysis. The blasting was required at specific sites along the corridor and MM&A predicted blast levels and provided the State with blasting noise and vibration analysis and noise and vibration mitigation measures.

Downtown Bremerton Pedestrian-BTC Access Improvements

Exeltech, Inc. & WSDOT
City of Bremerton, Washington

MM&A performed technical noise and air quality analysis for several alternatives to improve the transportation access in downtown Bremerton, Washington. Analysis requirements included measuring and predicting the existing noise environment along project corridor, which included surface and tunnel alignments. We also performed a construction noise analysis and reviewed proposed developments in the immediate area. The project was performed in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS), Kitsap Transit, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Fern Valley Interchange Project

ODOT
Phoenix, OR

This new interchange planned for I-5 near Medford has a unique diamond type intersection crossing. The crossing is shown to the right. The traffic drives on the wrong side of the road, making it easier for traffic to access the I-5 ramps and maintaining a smother traffic flow. This project also had several residential areas near the project corridor, requiring the inclusion of I-5 in the traffic noise model. There is also a substantial level of heavy truck traffic in this area, further increasing noise levels. Finally, the community was very active on this project and reviewed all aspects of the proposed interchange. The final report recommended noise walls for a large manufactured home park located along the I-5 corridor, just south of the interchange.