Aurora OKs phase‑1 engineering for Fox Valley Mall signals, eyes $2.5 million federal funding

Alex Nugent of Public Works presented a phase‑1 preliminary engineering agreement for the Commons Drive resurfacing and modernization of four traffic signals near Fox Valley Mall, asking the committee to approve a not-to-exceed amount of $376,398 with an appropriation of $280,000 for initial work.

"We applied for funding in December 2023, and we're awarded $2,500,000 of federal STP funding to modernize 4 signals...and resurface that section of commons," Nugent said, describing the scope along McCoy and Commons between McCoy and New York Street.

Nugent told the committee the modernization would replace signal heads, cabinets, foundations and other aging equipment and that staff would evaluate adding dedicated left‑turn phasing where appropriate. Committee members asked whether a traffic study would be included; Nugent said a full traffic study is not scoped by default but staff would incorporate available studies from nearby mall redevelopment and could add targeted analysis at Raintree and Commons if the scope is expanded.

On timing, Nugent said federal funding is targeted for 2029 and that construction would likely follow in 2029–2030, assuming schedules and equipment lead times remain stable.

A motion to approve the phase‑1 engineering agreement was made and seconded; the clerk recorded the motion as approved. Committee discussion noted safety concerns at nearby residential intersections and asked staff to consider those when developing the design and scope for phase 1.