Study Background

In 2004, the City of Aurora and Kane County partnered on roadway improvements to Orchard Road/Kane County Highway 83. To address residents noise concerns, approximately 63,300 square feet of wooden fence was installed along portions of both sides. The fence ranges between nine (9) and twelve (12) feet high and at sixteen (16) years old, is now in a state of significant disrepair. Additionally, with increased truck traffic along Orchard Rd., the wooden fence does not provide adequate noise protection. Any improvements to the fence/noise barrier would need to be shared by both the City of Aurora and Kane County. Negotiations to replace the barriers began in earnest in 2017; the city is set to start construction in 2027.

Project Purpose

The purpose of the project is to improve noise protection for residents living along Orchard Road.

Project Funding

Funding for this project has been identified and allocated to ensure the work can move ahead as planned.

Kane County Grant: $1,018,000

State of Illinois Grant: $800,000

City of Aurora 5th Ward Projects Fund: $600,000

City of Aurora Capital Improvements Fund: $3,582,000

Total: $6,000,000

For any questions or concerns, please email Ward5Project@aurora.il.us so that you can be provided with timely and accurate information. Additionally, the "Questions" tool, located at the bottom of the page, will be monitored regularly.

November 2026 Project Update

With final design engineering for the project already complete, the project is set to begin the competitive bid process in November of 2026. The bid is expected to open by the end of January 2027, with construction expected to start in the Spring of 2027. Pending utility relocation coordination with ComEd for portions of the Wall, construction is currently expected to be completed by the Fall of 2027.

The Orchard Road Sound Wall is included in the City’s 2027 budget, with funding set to come from the City of Aurora’s Capital Improvements Fund, the City of Aurora’s Fifth Ward Projects Fund, a grant from the State of Illinois, and a grant from Kane County. No Special Service Area (SSA) funds will be needed to complete the project.