Aurora residents get free pickup for flood-damaged items

Roads in Aurora that have reopened include both directions of Broadway Avenue Route 25 between North Avenue and Benton Street; Farnsworth between Sheffer and Mountain; Eola between Barrington and Keating; Hankes between Galena and Blackberry Ridge; and Shoreline Drive south at Frontenac.

In addition, Orchard Road is now open in one lane in each direction between Galena and Prairie. However, the speed limit has been reduced to 20 mph between Galena and Coach & Surrey Lane due to standing water. Traffic signals at the intersections are flashing red meaning motorists must exercise a 4-way stop. The traffic signals will be restored to normal operation once all lanes of traffic have been opened. Edgelawn is still the alternate for north-south traffic.

The eastbound ramp to I-88 at Diehl also is now open.

City officials also said pickup of flood-damaged carpet, drywall, and furniture will be free between Monday, April 22, and Friday, April 26. Those items will be picked up on the customer’s regular garbage pickup day and must be placed at the curb before 6 a.m. on the customer’s regular pickup day.

Carpet must be in rolls no longer than 4 feet long and not weigh more than 50 pounds.

Drywall and construction material must be placed in containers or bundled and tied with rope. Maximum weight per container is 50 pounds. All nails must be removed or bent over. All bundles must be no longer than 4 feet in length. Construction material is limited to two cubic yards, or about eight 33-gallon-sized cans.

No other types of loose construction material will be accepted during this special collection.

Smaller items should be included in the city’s normal garbage collection program with the cart or sticker required. Only water/flood damaged carpet, drywall, and furniture will be picked up without a garbage sticker.

After April 26, all water/flood damaged items must be disposed according to the city’s regular garbage collection program.