October 22, 2013
We examined the activities and policies of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) regarding highway noise barriers. We recommended that MnDOT: (1) change how it assesses public support for noise barrier projects; (2) establish a pathway for communities outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area to become eligible for state-funded noise barriers; and (3) revise its method of prioritizing state-funded noise barrier projects. We also suggested MnDOT pay greater attention to maintenance needs and make its policy-making process more transparent.
