Highway Noise Mitigation

Update: March 1, 2024

Anne Beierle, Director of Public Works, presented the results of the SH-93/58 Noise Measurements and Analysis performed by Coffman Engineers to Council on February 27,2024. Comprehensive data collection performed in November of 2023 identified vehicle volumes, types of vehicles – heavy trucks, light trucks, motorcycles and cars – and the corresponding noise levels.

While the data from previous noise studies was shown to still be valid, these new results helped provide clear direction on a priority list of projects. City Council is committed to addressing neighborhood health impacts from highway noise, committing $1Million to the effort in 2024 alone. Council directed Public Works to start immediately with survey, design, and public outreach regarding the projects on the top of the priority list, which include the following:

• Design and construction of a noise wall on the north side of SH-58, west of Washington Ave
• Evaluation of property ownership and design of a wall on the south side of SH-58, west of Washington Ave.
• Design and construction of a berm on the east side of SH-93, south of Pine Ridge Road.
• Evaluation of opportunities of use dirt from location construction to build new berms and to fill slumping berm – for example North 40 berm (based on analysis referenced above) and berm east of SH 93 between New Loveland Park and Mitchell Elementary.

Analysis will continue on how to leverage other projects that will generate material needed for berms, feasibility and constructability of wall locations, coordination within CDOT ROW, and opportunity for community art.

Update: November 13, 2023

Thank you to everyone who attended the highway noise meeting on October 11, 2023 and submitted feedback there or through Guiding Golden. During the week of November 13, city staff and noise consultants will collect additional data along US6, Hwy 93, and Hwy 58 to get a clearer picture of concerns raised at the meeting and given in feedback.

Noise data, traffic volume, and speed data will be collected simultaneously to better understand where residents are most impacted by both average highway noise levels and the peaks caused by certain vehicles. The results of this study and public input will be brought to Council to discuss prioritization, and to start designing and scheduling projects.

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In December 2022, City Council voted to increase capital funds each year for Highway Noise Mitigation. This increased funding would allow for the planning and implementation of approximately one project every other year, depending on cost.

With this increased funding, Public Works is seeking feedback from the community on how to prioritize projects to help lessen highway noise.

A Public Meeting was held with Public Works and Coffman Engineers on Oct. 11, 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Golden Community Center Bear Creek Room. Materials from that event are available here for those who were unable to attend in person.