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Aurora hires Thomas Engineering to design Orchard Road sound wall, including noise testing and community engagement
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Summary
The Infrastructure Committee authorized up to $168,890 for Thomas Engineering to perform phase‑2 engineering of an Orchard Road sound wall, including acoustical testing, design of materials and heights, and community and county coordination.
The Aurora Infrastructure Committee on Feb. 9 authorized engineering services (not to exceed $168,890) with Thomas Engineering Group LLC of Aurora to design a sound wall to replace an existing wooden fence along Orchard Road.
Ian Wade of the Engineering Division said the project has been discussed for roughly a decade and that this phase will move the work from conceptual ideas to detailed design. The scope will include on-site noise testing, evaluation of wall materials and heights, and community engagement. Wade told aldermen the selection followed a request-for-qualifications process and that Thomas Engineering offered the required experience to perform acoustics-specific assessments.
Aldermen pressed for clarity on timing, material choices and decibel outcomes. Staff said the consultant will collect more detailed data to guide height and material selection, coordinate with Kane County (the road owner) and report back to the committee; construction was described as likely to begin this construction season but could carry into the next year depending on schedule.
The motion passed 4-0. Next steps include consultant data collection, community outreach and a follow-up committee report on design recommendations and schedule.
