After years of delays, Aurora is moving forward with plans to reduce vehicle noise for residents along Orchard Road. However, details on the design of a new sound wall remain unclear. Concerns about safety, wall height, and materials were discussed at a recent meeting at Aurora City Hall.
Proposed Wall Specifications
City-hired engineers proposed a wall with noise reduction materials on both sides of Orchard Road. It would replace the current wooden barrier with a wall between 13 and 14 feet high. This plan contrasts with the original concrete wall proposal. A study showed the existing wooden wall does little to reduce noise.
Engineering Study and Bidding Process
The proposals result from a five-month sound and engineering study, costing nearly $169,000, by Thomas Engineering Group. Final designs are expected to go to bid later this year. Construction aims to begin before the end of 2026, as per city plans.
Ian Wade of Aurora’s engineering division expressed optimism, stating, “Long story short, we’re on the cusp right now. I think we’ve got a pretty good product, and we’ve got a lot of information.”
Materials and Construction Timeline
Three materials were suggested: precast concrete, linear low-density polyethylene plastic, and fiberglass composite. Each varies in cost, durability, and construction time. Residents favored concrete initially but leaned towards a plastic option by the meeting’s end. Engineers preferred the plastic option due to feasibility issues, like its distribution limits on height increments.
Residents felt concrete would bolster safety by acting as a barrier, but engineers noted the proposed materials aren’t designed for this purpose. Concrete would also mean longer construction and higher costs due to power lines that need relocating.
The fiberglass composite option was dismissed by residents. It was deemed ineffective as it reflects rather than absorbs sound.
Residents’ Input and Project Funding
While residents demanded taller walls, they also opposed a special service area property tax for funding. The project will receive $800,000 in state grants, with Kane County adding over $1 million. Ald. Carl Franco also contributes $600,000 from his ward funds. The remaining $3.6 million will come from the city’s capital improvement fund.
Responsibility for the wall’s basic maintenance lies with the city, while Kane County will handle any capital maintenance. This agreement was finalized in 2024.
Safety Concerns
Despite the focus on noise reduction, residents emphasized the need for safety improvements along Orchard Road. Many reported property damage from vehicles. Resident Brittany Charmelo stressed the importance of property safety, saying, “We didn’t choose for a thousand new units to be put there. We didn’t choose that, so because all of those changes have occurred, it’s your duty and it’s a county duty to keep us safe on our property because that’s where our taxes go.”