08 - August 14, 2025 - Noise Concerns on Blaney Avenue at Highway 280
PUBLIC WORKS
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3403 • FAX: (408) 777-3366
CUPERTINO.GOV
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Date: August 14, 2025
To: Cupertino City Council
From: Chad Mosley, Director of Public Works
Re: Noise Concerns on Blaney Avenue at Highway 280
Background
There is a gap in the soundwall that runs along the southerly boundary of Highway 280. The
gap starts at the Blaney Ave overpass and extends approximately 700’ to the east. This gap
results in little to now sound attenuation from the traffic on Highway 280, and nearby residents
have requested that the City explore potential solutions to address the resulting noise impacts.
The Public Works Department has contacted Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) regarding
this concern. VTA indicated that there is currently no funding available for new soundwall
construction at this location, but they have agreed to notify the City if funding does become
available in the future.
VTA did share recent bid results from two soundwall projects elsewhere in the County. Based
on those bids, the estimated cost for a new soundwall ranges from $2,500 to $5,500 per linear
foot.
A portion of the 700-foot gap runs adjacent to a storage facility, which provides some level of
noise screening. If the City were to consider funding a soundwall independently, a more cost -
effective option would be to extend the existing wall approximately 200 feet eastward from the
Blaney Avenue overpass—just past the end of the storage facility. This would provide
significant noise reduction for nearby homes while limiting the project’s scope.
However, even a 200-foot extension would cost between $500,000 and $1.1 million, not
including soft costs such as design, permitting, and project management, which could add an
additional 25% to 50%. Given these costs, City funding for a new wall does not appear to be a
feasible option at this time.
As a lower-cost alternative, the City is evaluated installing a 10- to 12-foot-tall chain-link fence
along the City’s right-of-way and partially within Valley Water property. This fence would be
outfitted with sound-attenuating panels. While both the fence and the panels have a projected
useful life of approximately 20 years, the panels may be more susceptible to vandalism and
graffiti, which could shorten their lifespan. It is important to note that this type of installation
would not provide the same level of noise reduction as a concrete soundwall, but it could offer
some interim relief.
The estimated cost for this interim option is approximately $200 per linear foot for the fence and
$200 per linear foot for the sound panels, resulting in a total estimated cost of approximately
$80,000 (excluding soft costs). This option would require coordination and a permit from Valley
Water.
In addition, City staff discussed with VTA the potential to install noise -reducing pavement
along this segment of I-280. Rubberized asphalt or similar surfaces can reduce noise levels by 4
to 6 decibels—a noticeable improvement, though not a complete solution. While VTA has no
current plans to resurface this section, the City will recommend that noise -reducing pavement
be considered when a future paving project is initiated.
Sustainability Impact
No sustainability impact.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact.
City Work Program (CWP) Item/Description
None
Council Goal:
Quality of Life
California Environmental Quality Act
No California Environmental Quality Act impact.
_____________________________________
Prepared by: Chad Mosley, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Kirsten Squarcia, Interim Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Approved for Submission by: Tina Kapoor, Interim City Manager
Attachments:
A – Aerial Exhibit