HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10h - Soundwall Extension Support Letter
DATE: May 21, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
Kevin Merrill, City Engineer
SUBJECT: LETTER OF SUPPORT TO CALTRANS RELATED TO EXTENSION OF
SOUNDWALL CONSTRUCTION ALONG THE I-210 FREEWAY OVER
THE SECOND AVENUE OVERPASS
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Approve and Authorize
SUMMARY
At the April 16, 2024, City Council Meeting, resident David Arvizu, approached the City
Council with a request to send a letter to the California Department of Transportation
(“Caltrans”) to extend the current soundwall construction along the I-210 Freeway to
include the Second Avenue overpass around Second Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.
The City Council agreed by a majority show of interest to bring this item back for
consideration. Attached to this staff report is a draft letter of support for the requested
soundwall extension. It is recommended that the City Council approve the letter and
authorize the City Manager to send it to Caltrans and Metro.
BACKGROUND
Soundwalls are noise barriers built between a noise generator and a “sensitive receptor”,
such as a residential community, in order to reduce the level of noise transmitted. Along
a freeway such as I-210, soundwalls are typically constructed of solid materials, such as
concrete or masonry block, and they are typically between 8-16 feet in height. A large
soundwall project is currently under construction in the City of Arcadia as part of
Metro’s “Soundwall Package 10”, which includes segments along the I-210 in Arcadia
and Pasadena, and along SR-134 in Los Angeles (Toluca Lake).
Prior to 1998, Caltrans nominated soundwalls for funding through the California
Transportation Commission (“CTC”). In 1998, through Senate Bill 45, State law
transferred the programming from Caltrans to regional agencies. In Los Angeles County,
Metro was the agency that assumed responsibility for managing construction; however,
the eligibility determinations for new soundwalls as well as design remained with Caltrans.
Through this transfer, Metro inherited a backlog of soundwall projects totaling nearly $1
billion without any corresponding funding from the State.
Letter of Support for Soundwall Extension
May 21, 2024
Page 2 of 3
In 2000, Metro adopted a policy for prioritizing soundwall retrofit projects in phases. Phase
1 projects include soundwall construction along freeway segments where High
Occupancy Vehicle lanes were constructed without soundwalls. Additionally, Phase II
projects entail all other retrofit soundwall locations deemed eligible on various freeways.
The Arcadia segment was placed in a package for funding many years ago. Former
Council Members and City Staff were instrumental in working with Caltrans and Metro
over the years, and construction has just recently begun after years of waiting. It should
be noted that throughout the region, there is a significant backlog of potential projects,
and any proposed soundwall segments in Phase II are not currently being initiated.
DISCUSSION
The request from Mr. Arvizu is to extend the existing soundwall construction in Arcadia
further east along the I-210, crossing the Second Avenue Overpass. Please see
Attachment “B” for the requested “gap closure” submitted by Mr. Arvizu, and Attachment
“C” (Metro Fact Sheets) for the Soundwall Package 10 project plans. The reasons given
by Mr. Arvizu for this request are that there are sensitive receptors (residential homes)
and a park in this location that are being significantly negatively impacted by noise from
the I-210 Freeway.
There are two essential metrics that Metro uses to determine eligibility for soundwall
projects: Hourly noise levels above the 67 DbA threshold, and a reasonableness test for
cost. Regarding noise, field tests are undertaken to establish current noise levels and
ultimately determine if the noise generated merits consideration, and if a soundwall
installation would reduce noise at least 5 DbA. In addition, the cost of the soundwall is
weighed against a “reasonable allowance” of $107,000 per “benefited receptor”. Based
on a recent presentation completed by Metro as part of the Soundwall Package 10
Project, it is estimated that soundwalls cost $10 million/mile if placed adjacent to the
freeway shoulder and $20 million/mile if on a bridge structure or retaining wall. It is
unknown whether these exact metrics were applied to this location, but it is likely that the
cost in this location (on the overpass) exceeded the “reasonableness test”.
Despite the potential costs and the current backlog of projects not receiving funding at
this time, sending a letter to Caltrans and Metro related to this issue is recommended. It
is important for Caltrans and Metro to have a sense of where these projects are desired
and where they could yield the greatest benefit. Additionally, since construction is ongoing
in this area, this would be an opportune time to request an extension to this existing work.
A letter from the City Council would be intended to be supportive of the effort from Mr.
Arvizu, as a member of the public, and on behalf of a residential neighborhood in the City.
To that end, it is recommended that the draft letter included as Attachment “A” be sent to
Caltrans and Metro from the City Council.
Letter of Support for Soundwall Extension
May 21, 2024
Page 3 of 3
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action of transmitting a letter does not constitute a project under the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the
CEQA Guidelines, as it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no Fiscal Impact associated with the submittal of this letter. In addition, the intent
is that any costs of future soundwall extension would be borne by either Caltrans or Metro,
who are the funding sources for soundwall construction along the I-210 Freeway. It is not
recommended that any City-held funds be used for this effort.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine this action does not constitute a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and approve the attached letter
of support, authorizing the City Manager to send the letter to the appropriate contacts at
Caltrans and Metro.
Attachment “A”: Draft Letter of Support
Attachment “B”: “Sound Wall Extension Proposal”, submitted by David Arvizu
Attachment “C”: Soundwall Fact Sheets from Metro
Office of the City Council
April A. Verlato
Mayor
Michael Cao
Mayor Pro Tem
Paul P. Cheng
Council Member
Sharon Kwan
Council Member
Eileen Wang
Council Member
240 West Huntington Drive
Post Office Box 60021
Arcadia, CA 91066-6021
(626) 574-5405
(626) 445-4918 Fax
CityCouncil@ArcadiaCA.gov
May 21, 2024
Mr. Tony Tavares Ms. Gloria Roberts
Caltrans Director Caltrans District 7 Director
P.O. Box 942873 100 South Main St,
Sacramento, CA 94273-0001 Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear Mr. Tavares,
For decades, families living near the I-210 freeway have been rendered
helpless against the sound of high-speed traffic, honking horns, air
brakes, and emergency sirens. The construction of the Soundwall
Project along the I-210 freeway will bring critical infrastructure to the
San Gabriel Valley, and Arcadia is incredibly grateful for this local
investment. Arcadia recognizes the level of effort a project of this
magnitude takes, one that will dramatically improve the quality of life
for generations to come.
Following soundwall construction, most of the sensitive receptors (e.g.
homes) in Arcadia will be better protected from freeway noise, except
for one segment: the overpass at the intersection of Second Avenue
and Colorado Boulevard. As this project proceeds, it is imperative
that Caltrans consider meeting all the soundwall needs in Arcadia and
eliminate this glaring gap in coverage (see attached rendering).
Without the addition of soundwalls to the Second Avenue overpass,
property owners in the surrounding area are left with little hope for the
future. Whether these households seek to work from home, spend time
in their yard, gather with neighbors and family, or simply get a good
night’s rest, the freeway noise remains a constant impediment to
enjoying life at home. Decades of project backlog and delay have only
worsened a difficult issue, which further necessitates the prioritization
of all local soundwalls in Arcadia.
As a public agency, Arcadia recognizes the challenges of balancing
urgent needs with limited resources. With that understanding, higher
costs cannot be the sole determinant to exclude the households
surrounding the Second Avenue overpass, who are just as deserving of
soundwall investment. Soundwalls are a fundamental piece of
infrastructure for our community, and on behalf of the entire City
Council, I respectfully ask Caltrans to reconsider extending this life-
changing investment to all areas, and all Arcadians in need.
Sincerely,
April A. Verlato
Mayor
Attachment "A"
Soundwall Gap on Second Avenue Overpass
(Second Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, Arcadia, CA)
Gap in Soundwall Coverage (red lines)
Requested Addition of Soundwalls (blue lines)
Office of the City Council
April A. Verlato
Mayor
Michael Cao
Mayor Pro Tem
Paul P. Cheng
Council Member
Sharon Kwan
Council Member
Eileen Wang
Council Member
240 West Huntington Drive
Post Office Box 60021
Arcadia, CA 91066-6021
(626) 574-5405
(626) 445-4918 Fax
CityCouncil@ArcadiaCA.gov
May 21, 2024
Ms. Stephanie Wiggins Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Chief Executive Officer, Metro Metro Board Member
One Gateway Plaza One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012 Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear Ms. Wiggins,
For decades, families living near the I-210 freeway have been rendered
helpless against the sound of high-speed traffic, honking horns, air
brakes, and emergency sirens. The construction of the Soundwall
Project along the I-210 freeway will bring critical infrastructure to the
San Gabriel Valley, and Arcadia is incredibly grateful for this local
investment. Arcadia recognizes the level of effort a project of this
magnitude takes, one that will dramatically improve the quality of life
for generations to come.
Following soundwall construction, most of the sensitive receptors (e.g.
homes) in Arcadia will be better protected from freeway noise, except
for one segment: the overpass at the intersection of Second Avenue
and Colorado Boulevard. As this project proceeds, it is imperative
that Metro consider meeting all the soundwall needs in Arcadia and
eliminate this glaring gap in coverage (see attached rendering).
Without the addition of soundwalls to the Second Avenue overpass,
property owners in the surrounding area are left with little hope for the
future. Whether these households seek to work from home, spend time
in their yard, gather with neighbors and family, or simply get a good
night’s rest, the freeway noise remains a constant impediment to
enjoying life at home. Decades of project backlog and delay have only
worsened a difficult issue, which further necessitates the prioritization
of all local soundwalls in Arcadia.
As a public agency, Arcadia recognizes the challenges of balancing
urgent needs with limited resources. With that understanding, higher
costs cannot be the sole determinant to exclude the households
surrounding the Second Avenue overpass, who are just as deserving of
soundwall investment. Soundwalls are a fundamental piece of
infrastructure for our community, and on behalf of the entire City
Council, I respectfully ask Metro to reconsider extending this life-
changing investment to all areas, and all Arcadians in need.
Sincerely,
April A. Verlato
Mayor
CC: Avital Barnea, Senior Executive Officer
LA Metro
Soundwall Gap on Second Avenue Overpass
(Second Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, Arcadia, CA)
Gap in Soundwall Coverage (red lines)
Requested Addition of Soundwalls (blue lines)
SOUND WALL EXTENSION PROPOSAL
SECOND AVE. OVERPASS
(CORNER OF 2ND & COLORADO)
At this time, we are all aware of the construction that Caltrans is doing on the 210
freeway at Santa Anita Ave. The construction of the sound wall is long overdue and it
will greatly benefit many of the residents of Arcadia.
However, there are no plans to build a sound wall over the Second Avenue overpass.
Even with the construction of the new sound wall by Caltrans, this gap will not be filled.
As a result, the residents in that area will continue to be subject to the extreme noise
that is generated by the 210 freeway.
I am asking the City Council to draft a letter to Caltrans asking them to extend the
sound wall across the Second Ave. overpass. This can be done right now by the City
Council by directing the City Staff to write up a letter that each of you can sign.
I am also requesting that the City Council add to the agenda of their next meeting an
open discussion of petitioning Caltrans to extend the sound wan over the Second
Avenue overpass.
This proposal supported by all of the residents that I have reached out to you so far;
and is not an expense that the city of Arcadia will bear; it seems to me that this is an
initiative that we can all get behind.
Attachment "B"
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ENewmanAve
'Name
Daniel Peng_
:Message
1Help us petition Caltrans to add this project! This overpass is so noisy at night
;that it's not only disturbing the quality of sleep of the nearby residents but also
; lower the experience of any outdoor activities of the neighborhood in daylight!
1 We can hear semi-truck and roaring motorcycles all day long, not to mention
the occasional emergency brake and crashing sound ... The lack of sound wall
for this overpass affects thousands of residents's life consistently and we are
never going to get used to the harmful noise. Caltran is responsible to make an
: improvement and reduce the psychological and physiological impact on
Name
Poan_Wang
Message
My house is right next to the freeway near between 1st and 2nd street. It s been
very noisy there.please extend the sound wall project to at least 2nd street
Thank OU
!Name
'. Kelly Nardoni
Message
As an Arcadia resident impacted by the 21 O freeway sound, can you please
,consider extending the First Ave. sound wall to the area of the freeway at
.second Avenue and Colorado Blvd. (i.e., the Second Ave. overpass)? This will
_positively impact our well being_a_n_d__.p_r_o..__p_e_rt,,_y_v_a_lu_e_s_. _________ _
:Name
-�
•Nalini Adatia----
Message
, I have lived at my address for the last 30 years, however the freeway traffic
noise has gotten really bad over the last few years. It is especially louder during
late nights and early morning and really prevents you from getting restful sleep .
. Please add this to your agenda ASAP. Thank you
Name
am
Message
I'm usually not the type to participate in things like this but this was something
i've been waiting for. Last year, on a rainy day a car driving on the freeway ran
:through the concrete divider, the barrier rails of the freeway and on to this grass
• hill in front on my house. Luckily the lady who lost control of the car was
!unharmed it not been for that little hill. My neighbors and I helped her out to
make sure she was okay and got help immediately. But all I could think about
afterwards is what would happen if it had been further up the freeway and she
flew through and on to the houses/apartments. The damages would've been
catastrophic. The driver would've been injured and maybe my neighbors
would've been too. I'm glad this petition exist because this was something i've
been thinking about since that day and how we can be better protected and
prepared. Beyond the sound wall reducing the sound of traffic, i think it would
al§_C> b�lp_ prgt�ft drivers and ttl_i�_.P?ig_btl.<?rbqgg_ from incicJ�Df§ l_i�e __ t_ti_i_§. . ... ····-······-· ,
:Name
• Jeanne Hariton
:Message
:Frankly, I am very surprised that currently there is NO sound wall at Second Ave
1 and Colorado Blvd. Having a sound wall will definitely help improve the quality
!of life for residents living nearby and make Arcadia an even better city. I urge
YQY tq s_yppgr!Jhis __ qc:1r:y,pc;1ign. Ttl§11kY9�.-
: Name
Dale and Ellen Rudzik
Message
Dear City Council, Please petition Caltrans to put up a sound wall on the 21 O
;freeway at the Second Ave. overpass in Arcadia. We live on Second Ave. in
'Arcadia and the sound of traffic there can be disruptive to our lives. Thank you.
, Dale and Ellen Rudzik
Name
Jessica
Message
Hello, I am writing to request to petition cal trans to extend the sound wall to
the second ave overpass. I can hear the freeway noise pollution from my
backyard and also at the nearby Eisenhower park, where I frequently walk to
with my young daughter. We were excited to hear about the sound wall being
installed, but were disappointed to hear that that it fell short of our
n�igtlporti_oog. . ..
� :Name
!Harry Zhao _______ _
:Message
•Dear City Council Members, I am writing to express my strong support for the
construction of a sound wall along the 21 O freeway at the Second Avenue
overpass. The absence of adequate sound barriers has significantly affected
the quality of life for residents due to the incessant noise pollution from the
ifreeway traffic.It is my understanding that the current plans by Caltrans do not
'include a provision for a sound wall in this area, which is highly concerning. The
community of Arcadia deserves the same consideration and protection from
environmental noise as any other neighborhood in proximity to major
freeways.The benefits of constructing a sound wall include not only noise
.reduction but also improved overall community well-being, and the promotion
of a more peaceful and quiet neighborhood environment.I urge the City Council
,to consider the well-being of its residents and support the initiative to add a
sound wall at the Second Avenue overpass. Our community 1 s tranquility and
ql!_c�Jl�Y _ _qf_ lif�--�r� §!__stake. Th_?Q!< Y()!-1, _lj_§xry _2-'.b§9-____ _
!Name
Sima Lisman
'Message
:Hello. I am writing to indicate my support for building a sound wall above the
!second Ave and Colorado intersection. I live off of First Ave and can see the
freeway traffic and get significant noise from that opening to the freeway. There
i are many homes near that portion of the intersection that would also benefit
lt_r�_IT1eQg_91.1_�ly_frq_!11� s_g_lJ_r:_t_tj __ wall _?.! Jh 9t IQg§,J_i_gri:_Th?._rl� Y()lJ_! ________ -····-
'Name ·VixkyWang
Message
Hi! I'm a resident living nearby the 2nd Ave. I've lived here for almost 10 years
:and the sound from freeway has always bothered me at night. It would be really
!helpful if the sound wall is extended to the area of 2nd Ave and Colorado.
J_hanks for the help.
Metro's Highway Soundwall Program
In 1999, Metro inherited a nearly $1 billion backlog of highway
soundwall projects without corresponding funding. In 2000,
the Metro Board of Directors adopted a policy for prioritizing,
funding and constructing these soundwalls. As of 2017,
there are approximately 230 miles of freeways that are eligible
for soundwalls and this list keeps growing. New soundwalls
are added to the list based on field tests conducted by
Caltrans at the request of residents and local agencies.
Metro continues to seek funding to build more soundwalls.
What is traffic noise?
Traffic noise is a combination of the noises produced by
vehicle engines, exhaust and tires. The level of highway traffic
noise depends on several things:
>Traffic volumes -Roads with more vehicles are generally
louder.
>Traffic speeds -Traffic becomes louder with higher speeds.
>The number of heavy trucks on the road.
>Road conditions -Conditions, like a steep incline,
can causes heavy laboring of vehicle engines.
Traffic noise levels can be reduced by distance, terrain,
dense vegetation, natural and man made obstacles.
�Metro SOURCE
metro.net/soundwalls
What is a soundwall?
Soundwalls are noise barriers built between a noise generator
and a sensitive receptor, such as a residential community,
in order to reduce the level of noise transmitted from the
generator to the receptor. Along a freeway, soundwalls are
typically constructed of solid materials, such as concrete,
brick and masonry block, and typically constructed between
8-16 feet in height.
How do soundwalls work?
Soundwalls can be designed to absorb or reflect noise.
The design is dependent on the topography and the location
of homes or sensitive receptors within the area that qualifies
for soundwalls. Soundwalls could be designed to reflect noise
if the impact to the other side does not exceed the threshold
for soundwall qualifications and/or there are no sensitive
receptors. However, some soundwalls could be designed with
absorptive materials when reflective soundwalls have noise
impacts to the opposing side of the highway. Soundwalls must
be tall enough and long enough to block the "line-of-sight"
of the highway from the area that it is protecting.
A general rule, shown in the graphic below, is: "if you can see
it, you can hear it." As such, soundwalls provide little benefit
for homes on a hillside overlooking a highway.
-Line-of-Sight
Reflected
RECEIVER
Attachment "C"
For more information about Highway Soundwalls,
visit metro.net/soundwalls.
How effective are soundwalls?
This depends on the distance between the receptor
and the soundwall. For residents located adjacent to
a soundwall, the perceived noise level could be cut in half.
The benefit of a soundwall decreases as the listener moves
away from the soundwall. Soundwall benefits are insignificant
at distances greater than 500 feet away from the soundwall ,
typically where traffic noise is usually not a problem.
What is the criteria to warrant
a soundwall?
>The location is along residential property, parks, churches
or other sensitive receptors that exist prior to the
construction of a highway or proposed improvements
of a highway.
>The hourly noise levels at the location exceeds
a 67-decibel threshold.
>The soundwall will result in a minimum five-decibel
noise reduction.
>The soundwall cost is below "reasonable allowance"
as calculated using established Caltrans criteria,
which is currently $92,000 per benefited dwelling.
Why was the impact level set at 67 decibels?
The 67-decibel threshold was chosen because above this level,
conversations between two people standing next
to each other, speaking in a normal voice, is impaire d.
CONTACT US
213.922.3053
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BACKGROUND
Metro has a plan to create quieter neighborhoods through our
soundwall program for LA County residents living in areas of
high traffic. Soundwall Package 10 is funded by federal and
Measure R funds. Caltrans designed the project and Metro will
construct the project. New soundwalls are added to the list
based on field tests conducted by Caltrans at the request of
residents and local agencies.
Soundwalls are noise barriers built to federal-and state
approved construction and safety standards to reduce noise
coming from traffic on the freeway.
LOCATIONS
>SR-134 City of Los Angeles -To luca Lake
>l-210 City of Pasadena
>l-210 City of Arcadia
START & PROJECTED COMPLETION
Spring 2023-Summer 2025
CONTACT US
213-922.4008Iii soundwallprogram@metro.netml metro.net/soundwa/110
C]@metrolosangelesIJ losangelesmetro
�Metro
metro.net/soundwalho
Project Overview
The project is in three locations:
>Route 134 from approximately 150 feet East of Placidia Av to
Sancola Av in the City of Los Angeles
>Eastbound and westbound Route 210 from Fair Oaks Av to
Wilson Av in the City of Pasadena
>Eastbound and westbound Route 210 from Baldwin Av to
about 500 feet East of Santa Anita Av in the City of Arcadia
Project Elements
The project consists of constructing approximately 16,000
feet of soundwalls in 18 segments at three locations. These
locations of the project are constructed along freeways and
generally consist of constructing approximately 14-foot-tall
masonry block walls with support structures and foundations.
The work also includes electrical and communications work
along with tree removal and replacement.
The equipment proposed to be utilized along the project area
will vary, including: standard construction equipment trucks;
compressors and traffic control devices; cranes, backhoes,
graders, excavators, drilling rigs, concrete trucks; street
sweepers, water trucks and other pertinent equipment for
proper construction methods; and road striping equipment.
Project Outreach
Metro and its contractors shall take efforts to mitigate
construction-related impacts to the surrounding community.
Metro will engage the community via outreach prior to the
start of any of this work. These efforts will involve providing
community members and area businesses a direct line of
communication to project staff to discuss construction
activities and concerns.
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