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The Chisago County Board  will be expected to weigh in on locations and heights of proposed noise barriers to be included alongside the Highway 8 project; but the Board lacked sufficient information to make that vote last week.  

Sound walls are being finalized under a MNDOT-directed statewide process and part of establishing where they go is to have affected property owners have a say.  There was a meeting of some private property owners recently held at the Chisago Lakes Library, where votes began to be collected.  County engineer Joe Triplett said the state continues to make contact with all who are holding property impacted by the walls.  He added last week that he hopes the Board will be comfortable making wall determinations by early January, to keep the highway design on its timetable.

Commissioners said last week they’d like to see how property owners feel first.  

The county is involved due to it developing a trail along the highway route and gets to have a voice because the walls will impact the trail users. 

Commissioner Marlys Dunne declared she’s not going to support a wall positioning ahead of knowing if the closest property owner supports it.  There may be homeowners who like the viewshed and a wall might block the scenery— or a wall could impede sightline on a location.

The Chisago County parks staff also discussed the walls and impacts to the trail, according to the Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider.   He introduced a list of pros and cons the county commissioners are reviewing.

The wall locations will likely be on the County Board agenda early in January.  

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