'Just leave it four lanes': Concern sets in as proposed narrowing of Auburn Street gets pushed to next year

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Many Rockford residents have voiced negative opinions about Auburn Street narrowing to three lanes in Spring 2026.

One of them is Kevin Hilby, a long-time Rockfordian.

"It's going to be really hard if you're in a side street trying to turn left or right onto Auburn," Hilby said. "Once you have two lanes, it's just going to be bad. It's just a bad idea."

The long-time local thinks the project will cause delays and traffic congestion on Auburn.

"There are so many side streets, driveways, businesses, parking lots, alleys, and we're all going to be in one lane," said Hilby.

The city wants to narrow the lanes to prevent speeding and create a bike path along with a sidewalk for pedestrians.

Second Ward Alderman and Auburn High School Teacher Jonathan Logemann hopes