Planning Programs and Projects
This page allows users to search for projects from the RTA’s Planning Programs. Users can search for projects by name or keyword from the Search bar or the Filter pulldown menus.
Table results display summary information about each project. To view more details for a project, select the + icon to expand the view for additional information.
| Year | Project Title | Program | Project Type | Project Partner | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status | |||||||||
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| + | Riverdale 138th Street Station Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Riverdale | $48,500 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The Riverdale 138th Street Station Planning Study identified redevelopment opportunities in the station area as well as recommended improvements that would compliment revitalization efforts. Among the recommended transit facility improvements were new lighting, sidewalks, and viaduct improvements at the station entrance. A circulation and streetscape plan for the station area and design criteria for the recommended redevelopment were also produced.
Current Activities
The study was completed in December 2001. RTA staff will continue to reach out to Village staff and offer any assistance needed for implementation of the plan.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.13.2017 |
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| + | Robbins Metra Station Transit-Oriented Development Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Robbins | $57,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The Village of Robbins Metra Station Transit-Oriented Development Study recommends a redevelopment strategy that creates a new neighborhood with increased residential and retail opportunities. Major components of the plan include the restoration of the flood plain by utilizing it for active recreational uses and open space, concentrating development outside of the flood plain and improving the transit facility.
Current Activities
The study was completed in July 2002 and in the same year the Village was awarded $247,827 from the TCSP grant program to construct a new station house. A senior living facility was constructed in 2003-2004 just west of the Metra station. On June 13, 2012 the Village celebrated the opening of a newly-paved, 157-space commuter parking lot complete with new bike racks. To build on this effort, the RTA worked with the Village to convene a working group consisting of Village staff, the City of Blue Island, RTA staff, CMAP, Metra, ATA and Cook County Highway Department to identify ways to improve pedestrian mobility and access to the Metra Station. The final Robbins Pedestrian Access Improvement Plan can be found below under Study Documents.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.03.2017 |
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| + | Skokie Swift Station Location Feasibility Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Skokie | $159,883 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The Skokie Swift (CTA Yellow Line) is a unique high speed shuttle service operating between Dempster Street in the Village of Skokie and the CTA Howard Street station at the Chicago/Evanston border. To provide access to major activity centers such as Old Orchard Center, the Cook County 2nd District Courthouse, Oakton Community College and the Skokie central business district, the Village of Skokie directed an RTAP study to assess the feasibility of new intermediate stations and an extension. Current Activities
The study was completed in September 2003. A new station on the CTA Yellow Line opened in April 2012 at Oakton Street, using a combination of CMAQ and local funds. The station is experiencing increasing ridership, with average weekday boardings between 800-900. Additionally, Skokie received Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) funding through the RTA in 2009 to complement the new Oakton Street Station. Recently completed improvements include bus stops, taxi access lanes, pedestrian walkways, shared vehicle lanes, kiss and ride, and bicycle parking. In August 2014 a 20-unit single family home development called Floral Avenue broke ground less than 1/2 mile from the Oakton Street station and construction of the first homes sold is underway. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 05.18.2021 |
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| + | University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | University Park | $74,933 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study recommends the establishment of mixed use development in the station area that would also functionally connect the east and west sides of the Village. The plan also recommends improved connections among Village neighborhoods, Governors State University and the station. The study was completed in September 2002.
Current Activities
The Village is exploring ways to incentivize development around the Metra station as well as near Governors State University. Currently the Village is working on various road improvement projects, especially improving Stuenkel Road with new pavement and a 10' multi-use path connecting GSU to Metra. IDOT constructed a new interchange at I-57 and Stuenkel Road which improves road access to GSU and the Village. Governors State University transitioned to a 4-year college in the Fall of 2014, which will bring an estimated 12,000 students to the area each year. A 3-phase, 10-building student housing project called Prairie Place is currently being constructed on campus to provide on-site housing. With this new housing comes the anticipated need for retail/commercial food opportunities. In advance of the University's expansion, the Village worked with the RTA to convene an RTA/ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice on ways to attract investment in the TOD area and near campus. This panel convened in March 2014. A summary of the discussion can be found in the Study Documents section below.
In early 2015, the RTA applied for CMAQ funds on behalf of the Village, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program, for pedestrian improvements along Pace Route 367, which connects to the Metra station and Governors State University. The project was chosen for CMAQ funding in fall of 2015 as part of the RTA's combined application. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.13.2017 |
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| + | Blue Island Transit-Oriented Development | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Blue Island | $22,200 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The City of Blue Island Transit-Oriented Development study recommended improving the pedestrian environment between the Metra Electric and Rock Island District stations that are located within 500 feet of each other and where significant passenger transferring between the stations occur. The study also recommended providing streetscaping and guidance signage enhancements from the two stations to downtown Blue Island and Saint Francis Hospital, which was renamed to MetroSouth Medical Center in 2008.
Current Activities
The study was completed in May, 1999. The RTA recently completed a Phase II Transit Corridor Study which developed conceptual development programs for two parcels in the TOD area; one parcel is an under-utilized parking area Southeast of the Vermont Street Rock Island station and the other is adjacent to the station. Additionally, through an RTA Pilot Project providing implementation technical assistance, a new zoning district called the Uptown Transit-Oriented District was created and formally adopted into the City Zoning Ordinance on June 14, 2012. The new regulations can be found here.
In 2012 Metra received a grant from the Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) Program for improvements to the Blue Island, Vermont Street Interagency Transfer Station. This project includes additional interagency signage at multiple locations, including both Metra stations. Additionally, the RTA chose Blue Island as part of the 2013 Community Planning Program to work with ULI to assemble a developer discussion panel to provide input, guidance and advice to the City as they work to attract TOD investment on a City-owned parcel adjacent to the 119th Street Metra station. This discussion took place on August 12, 2013 and a summary of this discussion can be found in the Study Documents. The City is currently working to implement the recommendations from this discussion. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.03.2017 |
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| + | DuPage Area Transit Plan | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | DuPage Mayors & Managers | $277,245 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This study was conducted by the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference in cooperation with DuPage County. The DuPage Area Transit Plan includes both a short term and long range transit plan for the County. Throughout the development of the plan stakeholders from the county including elected officials, county and local community staff, and area residents were engaged through an extensive grass roots public involvement process to provide input into the plan. This process resulted in the identification of quality of life issues with respect to the provision and availability of transit service in the County.
Current Activities
The plan was completed in August 2002. The RTA is currently funding an update to this study. Please visit www.rtams.org/rtams/planningStudy.jsp?id=313 for more information.
In 2013 the Village of Glen Ellyn was awarded CMAQ program funds, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program for multi-modal access improvements to Pace Route 301, which was a recommendation made in the DuPage Area Transit Plan.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 08.08.2017 |
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| + | Elmhurst Downtown Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Elmhurst | $7,500 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The Elmhurst Central Business District City Centre Planning Study was completed in March of 1999. The plan was directed by the Central Business District Special Service Area and was part of the RTAP program. The study applied transit-oriented development principles to downtown Elmhurst.
Current Activities
The original TOD study was updated by the City of Elmhurst in 2006 and continues to foster residential, commercial, and retail development in the downtown area. A six-story mixed use development is currently under construction at 100 N. Addison in downtown Elmhurst. This development has 11,000 square feet of first floor commercial space with 165 residential apartment units above the commercial spaces. This development is located adjacent to the Metra station in downtown Elmhurst. Estimated to be completed in 2019.
Elmhurst also secured grant funding to reconstruct its downtown Metra station. The work scope includes reconstruction of the inbound and outbound platform, a new pedestrian tunnel at York Street and designated bus and vehicle drop-off lanes to reduce localized vehicular congestion. This $18 million project is projected to begin in the summer of 2019. In 2010, the City completed construction of a five-story, 253-space parking deck to serve downtown patrons and Metra commuters at First Street and Larch Avenue. In addition, a new parking deck with street-level commercial was built at Schiller Street and Palmer Drive as well as a traditional parking deck at Addison Road and Adelaide Street. In 2016 the City opened a 6-story, 690-space parking deck at Addison Avenue and 2nd Street with ground-floor retail, serving downtown customers and employees. Elmhurst 255, a 188-unit residential rental project was completed in 2016, amenities include 12,000SF ground level retail and a public event plaza. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.18.2018 |
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| + | Evanston Transportation Center Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Evanston | $99,210 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Evanston Transportation Center Planning Study developed conceptual plans for access improvements within and between the Evanston Davis Street transit stations and the existing and planned development in downtown Evanston. Wayfinding and pedestrian access improvements were particularily emphasized as nearly half of commuters access the stations by walking. The study also recommended specific improvements at an existing bus transfer location and a review of existing bus services to assess whether it is meeting the needs of the current transit market.
Current Activities
The study was completed in August 2001. The City incorporated design recommendations from the study, including a pedestrian ramp to the Davis Station. Mixed-use development has also been built adjacent to the east and north of the Davis St. Station.
The City was selected as part of the 2015 RTA Community Planning Program to explore ways to create a TOD Parking Policy throughout the City. In May 2020 the Evanston City Council approved an 18-story, 210,000 sq. ft. office project to be located less than 1,000 feet from both the 'L' and Metra rail service, the first high-rise office building to be constructed in the city in 20 years. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.03.2020 |
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| + | Kane County Transit Opportunity Assessment | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Kane County | $43,736 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Kane County Transit Opportunity Assessment evaluated the existing and potential transit market in the County. The study includes recommendations for further assessing opportunities for transit service in five sub-regions or markets of the County as identified by the study. Two corridors are also identified as candidates for transit services and transit supportive land use planning.
Current Activities
This study was completed in September 2002. In 2009 the RTA funded an update to this study; please visit www.rtams.org/rtams/planningStudy.jsp?id=309 for more information.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 10.30.2018 |
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| + | Lake County Route 60 and Route 22 Corridor Shuttle Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | TMA of Lake Cook | $45,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This study examined opportunities to improve mobility in the Route 60 and 22 corridors in Lake County by implementing shuttle bus connections to commuter rail service. The corridors include three Metra rail lines: the North Central Line, the Milwaukee District North Line, and the Union Pacific North Line. The study focused on patterning service after the successful "Shuttle Bug" routes serving Lake-Cook Road and Braeside. The partners included the RTA, the Transportation Management Association of Lake-Cook, Metra, Pace, and major employers from the corridors.
Current Activities
The study was completed in August 2000. Per recommendations in the plan, Lake Forest Shuttle Bug route #625 was implemented along Route 60 in 2001 to connect HSBC employees in Mettawa to the Lake Forest Metra Stations on the UP-N and Milwaukee North lines. Also, Shuttle Bug Route #622/12 was implemented in 2000 to service Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Leica Microsystems in Lake Forest and Bannockburn, respectively, to connect to the Milwaukee North line in Deerfield.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.28.2013 |
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