How did the Route 85 Noise Mitigation Project originate?
Route 85 was constructed as part of 1984 Measure A program and opened to traffic in 1994. Noise studies were conducted as part of the environmental approval process and noise mitigation measures were implemented. Post-construction noise analysis indicated that in general, the mitigation measures implemented satisfied Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards, Caltrans standards, and criteria established by the Traffic Authority for the 1984 Measure A program. However, residents along the west valley freeway corridor were not satisfied with the mitigation measures that had been implemented. In 1996, the voters of Santa Clara County passed Measure A for highway and transit improvements. The Route 85 Noise Mitigation Project was not listed in the original 1996 Measure A advisory list of projects; instead, a median safety barrier project on Route 85 was included. By the time the Base Case 1996 Measure B Transportation Improvement Program (MBTIP) plan was adopted by the County in 1999
