Agenda - Public Works Committee - 06/18/2001

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ever~een trees or tree clumps show approximately 40 evergreens, primarily red cedar, along this section of the highway. A count shows that 20 of these cedars remain following the highway project. The landscaping done as a part of the project planted eight trees along this area, including spruce and deciduous trees. Observation: A six-foot high screening wall would cost $370 per foot to build, based on the unit price of the previous construction. The cost of constructing the wall from Sunwood to the south edge of the wetland would be $181,500. The cost of constructing it continuous to the existing wall would be $307,000. It should also be noted that the residences on the west side of T.H. #47 between 149th Lane and 152nd Avenue have a similar exposure to the highway as the petitioners. The cost of extending the screening wall to this area would be an additional $303,600. The existing screening wall was constructed atop a three-foot earthen berm, .thus providing a visual screen of nine feet. This is sufficient to prevent visual screening of the first floors, and in many cases, even the second floor of the homes from the highway traffic. The petitioner's section of the highway has no curb, but falls at a steep grade from the highway. Because the base of the wall would be lower than the roadway, it would PrOvide significantly less screening than the existing wall. A wall in this location would also interfere with drainage as flow would come off the road and into the wail. Recommendation: Based upon the significant costs, limited screening, and other technical factors, staff would recommend working with the neighbors with enhanced landscaping as an alternative to a screening wall. Committee Action: Based upon discussion. Reviewed by: City Engineer Jankowski Director of Public Works Public Works Supervisor PW: 06/18/01