Aurora Traffic Petition: Speed Bump & Roundabout Study

Aurora, Illinois residents who want a local street traffic calming measure—such as a speed bump or a neighborhood roundabout—must follow the city process for requesting a traffic calming study and any subsequent engineering review. This guide explains the typical petition steps, the department that evaluates requests, how to submit evidence, what to expect from the study and timing, and where to find official forms and contact points. It summarizes enforcement, appeal options, and practical action steps so residents can prepare a clear petition and follow up efficiently.

Petitioning for a Traffic Calming Study

Start by checking the City of Aurora traffic calming guidance and petition requirements, which describe eligibility criteria and the evaluation matrix used by traffic engineering. Many petitions require signatures from nearby residents and data such as traffic counts, crash history, and a proposed location for the measure. See the official program page for methods and neighborhood thresholds: City of Aurora Traffic Calming Program^[1].

• Collect signatures from affected properties and note property addresses and contact information.
• Document speed and volume data or request official counts through engineering.
• Check any scheduling windows or deadlines in the city guidance before submission.
• Propose feasible locations and indicate nearby driveways, bus stops, hydrants, and accessibility concerns.

Penalties & Enforcement

Traffic calming petitions themselves are administrative requests and the petition process does not usually carry fines; enforcement provisions apply to unlawful alteration of public streets, unauthorized installation of traffic devices, or obstruction of sidewalks and rights-of-way. For enforcement, the City of Aurora Public Works Department and Traffic Engineering implement traffic control devices and respond to complaints. Contact the department via its official contact page for complaints and inspections: City of Aurora Public Works^[2].

• Fine amounts for unlawful street alterations: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove unauthorized devices, administrative compliance orders, or referral to court (details not specified on the cited page).
• Enforcer: Public Works Department / Traffic Engineering; inspection and complaint intake through the Public Works contact page cited above.
• Appeal/review: the official page does not publish an exact appeal procedure or statutory time limits; residents should request review instructions from Public Works or the City Clerk if a decision is adverse.
• Defences/discretion: engineering judgment, existing emergency access needs, ADA considerations, and permit or variance processes may affect outcomes (specific standards not specified on the cited page).

Applications & Forms

Many cities publish a Traffic Calming Petition form or petition packet for neighborhoods to complete; the City of Aurora program page describes petition requirements but does not publish a single consolidated form on that page (if no form is located there, contact Public Works to request the official petition form or submission instructions). See the Traffic Calming Program page for submission guidance.^[1]

How the Study Is Typically Conducted

After a complete petition is submitted, typical steps include preliminary screening, collection of traffic data, safety and sight-line review, evaluation against a scoring matrix, and a recommendation (pilot, install, or deny). Engineering will consider emergency vehicle routes, driveway impacts, drainage, pedestrian needs, and long-term maintenance.

• Preliminary screening to confirm petition completeness and eligibility.
• Field data collection: speed measurements and traffic counts.
• Engineering design review and community notification if a pilot or installation is proposed.

FAQ

How long does a traffic calming study take?

Typical timelines vary by workload and season; the city page does not state an exact timeframe, so contact Public Works for estimates.

Can I install a private speed bump on a public street?

No. Unauthorized physical alterations to public streets are not permitted and may be subject to removal and enforcement action according to city rules and Public Works direction.

Is there a fee to submit a petition?

The Traffic Calming Program page does not list a standard petition fee; inquire with Public Works for any application or study fees.

How-To

1. Gather signatures from affected neighbors and document the problem with photos and a simple map.
2. Contact Public Works to request official traffic counts or verify the petition packet requirements.
3. Submit the petition packet and any supporting data to Public Works by the method the department specifies (email or in-person drop-off).
4. Follow up on the engineering review and attend any neighborhood meetings or public hearings if scheduled.
5. If approved, confirm whether a pilot or permanent installation is planned, learn about any costs or maintenance responsibilities disclosed by the city.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the official traffic calming guidance and confirm petition requirements with Public Works.
• Provide clear evidence: signatures, photos, and traffic data improve chances of review.
• Use the Public Works contact pathway for complaints, data requests, and appeal information.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Aurora Public Works Department
• Aurora Municipal Code (Municode)
• City of Aurora Engineering Division

1. [1] City of Aurora Traffic Calming Program
2. [2] City of Aurora Public Works Department - Contact