Above / Final stage focuses on replacing the 110-year-old railroad bridge. (PN Photo)
City of Naperville Report
The second and final stage of the North Aurora Road Improvement Project is scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 29, 2025. This phase of work will improve the Canadian National/Wisconsin Central Railroad bridge over North Aurora Road in collaboration with the Naperville Township Road District and the City of Aurora, as each agency has jurisdiction over portions of this corridor. Work is expected to be complete by the end of 2027, pending any unforeseen circumstances.
Work in this phase will replace the 110-year-old railroad bridge with a new structure spanning the expanded five traffic lanes, multi-use trail, and sidewalk. Roadway lighting, a pump station, and increased vertical clearance will also be added. Initial work includes land clearing for pump station installation to improve drainage at the underpass and construction of a temporary bridge to allow continued rail traffic.
Most work will occur on the shoulder of the roadway with minimal impact on traffic, though intermittent lane closures may be necessary depending on the work being performed. While one lane of traffic in each direction is expected to be maintained for most of the construction process, motorists should still be alert for workers, changing traffic patterns, and are encouraged to find alternate routes when possible.
Intergovernmental agreement since April 2006
The City of Naperville, the City of Aurora, and Naperville Township first entered an intergovernmental agreement on April 18, 2006, to initiate and secure funding to reduce congestion and crashes and improve access for bicyclists and pedestrians. The project, led by Naperville, was divided into two phases: one to widen the road and add pedestrian and bicycle access, and another to replace the aging railroad bridge. The first phase, in partnership with the Naperville Township Road District, widened the pavement between Fairway Drive and Frontenac Road to two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, multi-use trail, sidewalk, sound wall, and lighting and drainage improvements. This work was completed in 2023.
Phase 2 projected to cost about $52 million
The second phase is projected to cost approximately $52 million. To date, the City of Naperville, the City of Aurora, and Naperville Township have spent about $6.5 million on easements, land acquisition, preliminary and design engineering, environmental services, and utility coordination. In addition to local funding, the project is supported by $40 million in external funding. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) has committed $25 million in Surface Transportation Program (STP) Shared Funding, and IDOT has committed $15 million through the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF).
Detour expected in early spring 2026
In early spring 2026, a detour will be put in place to accommodate bridge removal and reconstruction and relocation of a large gas pipeline needed for the roadway widening. More specific information about the detour and impacts on traffic will be shared in advance of the work.
For more information and updates about this project, visit www.naperville.il.us/north-aurora-improvements.
For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.
Submitted by Liz Meil, PMP, Communications Specialist | City Manager’s Office
