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Eagan council backs MnDOT noise‑wall grant application; construction likely in 2032–33, resident asks about trees
Summary
The council approved a resolution supporting a Minnesota Department of Transportation noise‑wall grant application for two sections along I‑35E near City Hall. Public works staff said construction would likely occur in 2032 or 2033; residents asked whether trees would be removed.
The Eagan City Council on Oct. 7 authorized a resolution supporting a Minnesota Department of Transportation noise‑wall grant application for two segments along Interstate 35E near City Hall.
"MnDOT has done noise analysis along the corridor ... they rank or score areas that are the noisiest," Public Works staff explained, and MnDOT has limited funding to build one to three metro‑area wall sections per year. City staff said the two segments west of City Hall score highly enough that MnDOT suggested applying for both so they could be constructed together as one project. Staff estimated construction would likely occur in 2032 or 2033 and that MnDOT would pay about 90 percent of construction costs, with the city covering the remaining 10 percent.
During discussion, resident Janine Hudson, who lives at 4445 Lakeshore Terrace, asked whether trees between her kitchen window and the freeway would be removed during construction. "I didn't realize it was gonna not be done until, like, '32. I could be dead by then," Hudson said. Public Works staff responded that design and neighborhood outreach would begin well before construction; if construction were scheduled for 2032 the design and public engagement phase could start around 2030. Staff said MnDOT and city staff have in the past modified wall designs at the request of adjacent property owners, including using transparent tops to preserve views.
Council members noted that the city’s financial participation improves a project’s ranking for MnDOT funding and that without the city contribution construction could be further delayed. The council approved the resolution as part of the consent agenda after discussion; no separate roll call was requested.
Staff said specific design details including tree removal, final wall materials and exact construction timing will be developed during the design and neighborhood‑engagement phases and remain subject to MnDOT approval.
