DeKalb commuters soon may find Route 23 clogged with orange, blinking work-zone barrels.

The amount of noise the public can expect from the construction is a concern and City Engineer Joel Maurer said it will be best for late-night construction to take place at commercial areas to avoid disturbing the public.

The planned 8-week project will be discussed further at the next council meeting Sept. 12.

The loudest noise levels will come from machinery used to grind down the road, Maurer said.

Third Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan said he wanted to know what other towns thought about this.

DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer said construction near the residential areas should take place in the daytime and commercial zones at night.

The new roads are considered important improvements by some of the council.

“We have to do what is best for the residents, but it still has to be done or the city of DeKalb loses the opportunity of having new roads,” said 2nd Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen.

The council also expressed concern in the possibility of increased accidents and worker’s safety.

In other city business, the council weighed a proposal involving a Wal-Mart, 2300 Sycamore Road, expansion.

The plan calls for additions to include a 5,596 square-foot stockroom expansion and enclosure of the existing garden area with a 5,725 square-foot greenhouse structure after Wal-Mart agreed to remove an area of landscape.

“I have seen first hand how much business Wal-Mart brings in. It is a really busy intersection,” Kapitan said.

Open government has been an issue among the council recently.

Van Buer wanted to make it clear no decisions have been made.

“Let’s not lose sight on open access to government,” Van Buer said.

A meeting is planned to discuss this issue Sept. 1.