Sound Curtains Being Installed Around BDPL3&4 Work Area

Residents who live near the project in Fremont are benefiting from new and innovative sound-absorbing material to reduce construction noise. Recently, the SFPUC’s environmental team discovered these recycled polymer "sound curtains" as an alternative to the usual steel-and plywood sound walls used on other projects.

This material absorbs airborne noise and converts it to vibration and then the energy dissipates off as heat. It comes in rolls and can easily be attached to chain-link fence, plywood and other surfaces. This sound-absorbing material was installed along the pipeline right of way near residences where construction activities are taking place.

Measurements taken by the environmental inspectors at a pilot site confirmed that these “curtains” significantly decrease the sound volume of the construction activities for the nearby residents. Monitoring efforts will continue throughout construction as the environmental team works to ensure that the project move forward while minimizing impacts to air, water, wildlife, and the surrounding neighbors. 

The sound curtains are currently up near homes immediately adjacent to our work area at Tissiack Way in Fremont.

Late Night Work Required to Install Water Line for Uninterrupted Service

A late night I-680 on-ramp closure is scheduled for next week to install a temporary water line. This installation will ensure that residents in the area continue to receive an uninterrupted water supply throughout construction.  

On Tuesday, Jan. 22 (after the Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday, Jan. 21), the I-680 on-ramp at eastbound Mission Blvd., will be closed starting at midnight and will reopen at 5 a.m. This timeframe has been identified to ensure that motorists are able to access the freeway before the heavy commute times.

Work will take place near the highlighted area above.

Why Night Time Work?

Much of the regional water delivery pipeline in need of replacement is located directly under the I-680 freeway and the on/off-ramps off Mission Blvd. In order to access this pipeline, a phased traffic handling plan will be in place. This overnight on-ramp closure is the first traffic diversion that this project will require along this busy traffic corridor.

The SFPUC, Caltrans and other governmental agencies have been working with the contractor on this phased traffic approach plan, and Caltrans has permitted this work. 

Detour Information For This Work:

To detour, use Warm Springs Blvd. (North), and make a right at Auto Mall Parkway to merge onto the I-680 North.

 

This closure is necessary to complete the temporary water line installation work  to ensure water supply to the local area. All work that takes place along the I-680 freeway or on the on/off-ramps are permitted by Caltrans. 

What To Expect?
This night time work will involve some road excavation on the on-ramp, so crews can install the temporary water line. Truck traffic and noise from machinery are expected.

 

Homeowners are encouraged to call our 24-hour answering service for concerns regarding this overnight work at 866-973-1476.

What to Expect in 2013

The SFPUC construction management team and Rados strive to be a good neighbor to the Fremont residents who live nearby the Seismic Upgrade of BDPL3&4 Project. In particular, the environmental team and contractor are working hard to ensure that concerns surrounding dust control and noise are properly mitigated.

Nearby neighbors may already notice that sound walls and environmental protective fencing have gone up at the perimeter of the work area. Noise walls were also installed to isolate noise within the work area. The contractor will continue to abide by the City of Fremont’s local noise ordinance.

To ensure that dust is controlled, the environmental team and the contractor work together to assure that stockpiles are covered with plastic and active areas are watered to suppress dust in active areas.

To ensure dust control measures are met, stockpiles are covered with plastic tarps and weighed down with sand bags. These piles are also watered to minimize dust.

It is also imperative that the contractor meet certain erosion and sediment best management practices to protect the nearby creeks and the city’s storm drains. For example, the environmental team monitors the contractor to ensure the implementation of the project’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan that requires storm drains and drainage outlets to be protected. In addition, track-out controls are in place, such as the installation of rock placed at construction entrances and exits. Finally, sweeping of the roadways take place regularly.

Track-out controls limit dust-related concerns. An example of a track-out control is the installation of rock that is laid at the entries and exits of each work area. This rock limits the amount of dust kicked up by trucks.