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 for existing and potential design options have been studied as part of the proposed Hwy 252/I-94 project in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Noise levels were analyzed to see which areas along the project area are predicted to exceed the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Noise Abatement Criteria or experience a 5 decibel or greater increase in noise. For areas where noise level requirements are exceeded, noise walls were analyzed to see if they meet the necessary noise reduction and cost effectiveness criteria.
A noise wall proposal has been developed for areas that meet the necessary criteria. Eligible property owners and residents who would receive a five decibel or higher reduction in sound from a noise wall, have been mailed noise wall information and a voting ballot to participate in a voting process.
The voting period is from Nov. 2, 2026 and will end later in 2026 or early in 2027 if additional voting period is needed. Eligible property owners and residents will be able to vote for or against the proposed noise wall. Votes will be tallied and recorded in accordance with MnDOT policy to determine if a proposed noise wall will move forward for construction as part of the 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 began: Mon, Nov. 2, 2026 Noise wall voting meetings: Tue, Nov. 17, Wed, Nov. 18 and Thu, Nov. 19 (for more information, visit the meetings webpage) Noise wall voting period ends: Fri, Dec. 4, 2026
*If greater than 50 percent of the total eligible points are no votes then the noise wall is removed from the project.
More information about noise wall voting
Property owners and residents who will experience a noise level reduction of at least five decibels can vote for or against the noise wall that provides the noise reduction.
Who is eligible to vote on whether a noise wall should be constructed?
MnDOT 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 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 wall 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 wall are received after the second request for votes, then the wall 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.
The first is for a major reconstruction project in which the road would be expanded with additional lanes or would significantly change the alignment of the road. This type of project usually requires an in-depth environmental review process in which many issues are looked at - in this case, noise and noise walls.
The other program is commonly referred to as a retro-fit project. It is for stand-alone noise walls where major reconstruction is not planned in the near future. As part of this program, areas are ranked by existing noise levels, length of noise wall and number of homes.
How are noise impacts determined?
Receptors (defined typically as homes, apartments, parks, trails, schools, businesses, etc.) are impacted by noise if existing or future traffic noise levels approach or exceed Federal Noise Abatement Criteria. For residential land uses, noise levels must be at least 66 decibels or predicted to increase by 5 decibels or more. The analysis is based on noise levels experienced at commonly used outdoor areas. If noise impacts are identified as part of a project noise study, then MnDOT is required to evaluate noise reduction measures such as installing noise walls.
How does MnDOT determine where noise walls are constructed?
A noise wall must be both feasible and reasonable if it is to be constructed with a highway project. The reasonability of a noise wall is determined by factors such as cost, amount of reduction in noise, safety and site features. Decisions on noise mitigation locations are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Can noise increase as it passes over a wall?
No. Noise does not increase as it passes over the wall. The further noise travels, the greater the reduction in noise.
Could trees be planted to block traffic noise?
There isn’t enough space to plant the amount and size of trees needed to reduce traffic noise. To effectively reduce traffic noise there needs to be room for at least 100 feet of dense evergreen trees that are 15 feet tall or higher. Trees and vegetation are not proposed to be used as a noise reduction measure. Refer to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the upcoming Final EIS for more information on tree and vegetation plantings.
Will property owners be assessed for any noise wall costs?
No, noise wall costs are paid for by MnDOT and FHWA.
Air quality
Air quality was frequently cited as a concern in public comments in the previous phase of the study. We have conducted a Mobile Source Air Toxic (MSAT) Analysis in the Draft EIS which can be found in chapter 3 of the state and federal DEIS.
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.
