Aurora Plans to Reduce Vehicle Noise Along Orchard Road with Sound Wall Project

After delays spanning over a decade, Aurora plans to tackle vehicle noise by next summer for residents along Orchard Road. Residents expressed concerns about safety, wall height, and materials used during a recent feedback meeting. Engineers recommended a sound wall utilizing noise abatement materials between Prairie Street and Indian Trail, ranging from 13 to 14 feet in height, an increase from the current wooden wall. The initial concrete plan was replaced due to ineffectiveness of the wooden structure.

The designs discussed arose from a detailed five-month study by Thomas Engineering Group, LLC, under a $169,000 city contract approved last February. The final design might go out for bid this year. Ian Wade from the engineering division noted urgency in bidding due to approaching winter and construction plans to dismantle the existing wall first.

Alderman Carl Franco emphasized swift action: “You take it down, you’ve got to put something up.” Engineers suggested using precast concrete, linear low-density polyethylene plastic, or fiberglass composite. Residents initially favored concrete for durability but shifted preference to the plastic option, considering height limitations and its noise absorption capability.

Discussion revealed plastic could achieve 12 or 16 feet due to manufacturing limitations. Engineers stressed that none of the proposed materials serve as safety barriers, requiring separate road safety projects. Concrete construction would be lengthy and costly due to power line relocations.

Residents rejected fiberglass composite after examining a sample, critiquing its sound-reflecting nature. Many residents requested taller walls and access doors. Franco urged compromise for completion by next summer under the $6 million budget. “I want it done now. I want something good,” he stated.

Concerns arose over project funding via a special service area property tax. The project is projected to receive $800,000 in state grants and $1 million from Kane County per a 2024 agreement. Franco contributes $600,000 of ward funds, with the city’s capital improvement fund covering $3.6 million.

A maintenance agreement assigns basic maintenance to Aurora and capital upkeep to Kane County, approved by the Aurora City Council in 2024. Safety measures remain a resident priority alongside noise mitigation. Residents cited past incidents of cars veering onto properties, prompting demand for safety consideration.

Resident Brittany Charmelo highlighted safety needs: “We’re happy about the sound being dampened… it’s your duty and it’s a county duty to keep us safe because that’s where our taxes go.” Resident Steve Pickarski invited officials to experience traffic noise firsthand at his home.