The city of Aurora is considering plans to address vehicle noise by next summer for residents along Orchard Road. However, specifics about a new sound wall design remain uncertain. Resident concerns, focusing on safety, wall height, and materials, surfaced during a feedback meeting at Aurora City Hall.
City-appointed engineers suggested constructing a wall with noise-reducing material on both sides of Orchard Road between Prairie Street and Indian Trail. The proposed wall height ranges from 13 to 14 feet, surpassing the current wooden wall’s 10 to 12 feet. Originally, the plan was to use concrete, but a study showed the existing wood wall minimally reduces noise.
These designs stem from a five-month study conducted under a $169,000 contract with Thomas Engineering Group, LLC, approved last February. Ian Wade from the city’s engineering division mentioned plans to have the final design ready for bidding later this year.
Alderman Carl Franco urged urgency to bid on the project with winter approaching. Construction involves removing the current wall first, and officials wish to avoid leaving homes exposed for long.
Thomas Engineering Group recommended three materials: precast concrete, linear low density polyethylene plastic, or fiberglass composite. Each material varies in construction time, lifespan, and cost. Engineer Kyle Vanderzee explained the options during the meeting.
At first, residents preferred concrete due to its durability, but later supported a 16-foot wall using linear low density polyethylene plastic, which comes in 12 or 16-foot heights. Residents initially felt concrete could enhance safety by acting as a barrier. Engineers clarified that none of the proposed materials could serve as safety barriers.
Concerns arose about concrete’s longer construction time and higher costs due to necessary underground placement of power lines.
Residents strongly opposed fiberglass composite, citing its hollow nature and poor sound absorption, confirmed after examining a material sample.
Despite engineers’ presentations, residents wanted taller walls and access doors. Franco advised compromise, aiming for completion by next summer within the $6 million budget.
Residents rejected using a special service area property tax for funding, but the project expects $800,000 in state grants. An intergovernmental agreement between Aurora and Kane County will contribute over $1 million, with Franco adding $600,000 from his ward funds. The remaining $3.6 million will come from the city’s capital improvement fund.
Per an agreement approved in 2024, Aurora will handle basic maintenance of the wall, while Kane County assumes capital maintenance responsibilities.
Safety concerns along Orchard Road, besides noise reduction, were emphasized. Residents recounted incidents of vehicles damaging property, stressing the need for broader safety measures.
Resident Brittany Charmelo expressed satisfaction with noise reduction outlooks but insisted safety should not be overlooked.