HomeMy WebLinkAboutEx17_Project NarrativeProject Narrative
1. Project name:
Rainier Ave S Corridor Improvements: Phase 4 Project – Noise Variance
2. The nature, source, intensity and location of the sound/project limits:
Project noise will come from construction equipment performing temporary erosion and
water pollution control; traffic control; pavement removal; installing new traffic signal
systems, illumination, storm drainage, curb, gutter, sidewalks, irrigation, planters, and
urban design amenities. Construction also includes installation of sewer and water lines;
joint utility trench; pavement grinding and asphalt paving; property restoration;
installation of new channelization and permanent signing. The anticipated noise levels
are summarized in the attached noise variance justification document, and locations are
shown in the site plan.
3. Description of work:
The project will improve transit mobility, pedestrian accessibility, and safety. Benefit
overall traffic flow and safety through access management, traffic signal upgrades and
coordination. Improve the pedestrian environment and safety resulting in an
aesthetically vibrant transportation corridor. Improve intersections at S 3rd St and S 2nd St
in preparation of the two-way conversion for S 3rd St and S 2nd St. Extend the
southbound Business Access Transit Lane (BAT Lane) from S 2nd St to S 3rd St. Construct a
segment of a regional pedestrian/bike path trail (Lake Washington Loop Trail) from
Airport Way to 1,000 feet north of Airport Way. Install pedestrian activated traffic signals
(HAWK) at SW Victoria St and NW 3rd Pl. The project also includes sidewalk widening
with streetscaping, the installation of decorative roadway and pedestrian-scale
illumination, landscaped buffers and medians. And lastly, it will improve city water and
wastewater systems concurrently with the transportation project improvements.
4. Equipment and vehicles used for the work:
Construction equipment is detailed in the attached file, “Noise generating equipment.”
5. Proposed Noise Mitigation Measures the applicant will implement to minimize the sound
level violations:
The project will comply with RMC 8-7-8.D (4) as follows:
a. Implementation of a noise monitoring program;
A project hotline number will be provided as well as a list of designated
contact persons for the purpose of forwarding complaints. The City’s
project team will respond to any notified resident if during the
notification process the resident requires special accommodations. The
City’s project team will implement Nighttime noise monitoring if
complaints are received.
b. Maximum noise levels;
The City’s contractor will limit noise levels to the greatest extent
practicable. Noise levels will not exceed those described in the
application materials.
c. Limitation on types of equipment and use of particular equipment;
The City’s contractor will utilize equipment as described in the noise
variance application. Truck tailgate banging is prohibited. All trucks shall
be secured to prevent excessive noise from banging. All trucks
performing export haul shall have well maintained bed liners as inspected
and approved by the Engineer.
d. Limitation on back-up beepers for equipment;
All trucks shall be equipped with broadband back up alarms.
e. Required use of noise shields or barriers;
The City’s contractor will use a temporary noise shield whenever feasible.
f. Restrictions to specific times and days;
The City’s contractor will adhere to specific times and days, as required
by noise variance conditions.
g. Specific requirements for documentation of compliance with the noise
variance conditions;
The City’s project team will receive training and update of the conditions
under which this variance was granted. The City’s project team will
implement a Nighttime noise monitoring process if complaints are
received. Monitoring reports will be made available to the city to
demonstrate compliance.
h. Specific requirements for notification to nearby residents;
The City’s project team will notify by US mail residents, within 300 feet of
the site ten (10) days prior the night work commencement. This
notification will include the type of work, as well as phone number or
email to request more information including specific requests or
concerns.
i. Required cash security to pay for inspection services to verify compliance;
The City will pay for inspection services as required.
j. Required access to the project by the City to verify compliance with the noise
variance conditions;
The City will grant access to the site to City staff as required.
k. Specific program to allow for temporary hotel vouchers to effected residents;
The City will provide hotel vouchers if earplugs and white noise machines
are not sufficient, as requested by effected residents.
l. Requirements for written verification that all workers understand the noise
variance conditions for the project;
The City’s contractor will provide written verification prior to the first
nighttime activity associated with this variance.
m. Provision allowing the City to immediately revoke the variance approval if
the variance conditions are violated;
The City’s project team understands that the City may revoke the
variance if conditions are violated.
6. Any information or studies regarding any aspect of the requested variance that is deemed
necessary to complete the review of the variance request:
Not applicable, however, available upon request depending of citizens’ inquiries
during comments period.
7. The hours during the day/night the noise will occur:
Monday thru Friday 8PM to 7AM.
8. The number of days and/or nights the noise will occur:
Night work could be required anytime between now and completion of the project
which is anticipated to be 12/31/2025. The project is approximately 500 working days.
9. The ambient sound level during the time of day or night for which the variance is requested:
The project corridor existing background noise in the area is 71 dBA at 50’ from the edge
of traveled lane. However, a decrease of 5 dBA during the night due to lower traffic
volumes it will be 66 dBA.
10. The time period:
From the time the noise variance takes effect (anticipated July or August 2023) thru
December 31, 2025.
11. The reason for which the noise violation cannot be avoided:
Justification included in the attached “Variance Request justification.”
12. Mitigation conditions the applicant will implement to minimize the sound level violations:
See item number 5.