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 Sort descending | Project Title | Program | Project Type | Project Partner | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ | Elmhurst Downtown Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Elmhurst | $7,500 |
|
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. Completed in 2019. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | Regional Transit Coordination Plan (RTCP) Management Plan | Mobility Management | Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) | $0 |
|
Completed | ||||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
The Regional Transit Coordination Plan is an ongoing multi-year program aimed at enhancing regional mobility by facilitating seamless travel on public transportation. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 01.18.2023 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | Westmont Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Westmont | $40,000 |
|
Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Westmont Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity Study identified mixed-use redevelopment opportunities in the Metra station area. The study recommended the development of mid-rise medium density housing within the station area. In addition, the study addressed improved transit access to the station area and along Cass Avenue in the vicinity of the station. Current Activities
The study was completed in September 2000. Over the past 10 years, Westmont has built a new Village Hall & Police and Fire Department facility, a new Library, updated their Metra Station and built a new community park and fountain. Additionally, the Village installed new decorative streetscapes and a community sound system which provides background music and community announcements to enhance the pedestrian friendliness of the area. Quincy Station, a 5-story mixed use building was completed in spring of 2022. Located at the intersection of South Cass Avenue and West Quincy Street, this mixed-use, multi-family residential building features 94 residential units and a ground floor retail/commercial space. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | Inner and Outer Circumferential Rail Corridors Feasibility Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Metra | $188,721 |
|
Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project determined the most viable markets for commuter rail service along the inner (IHB/BRC) and outer (EJE) circumferential rail corridors for the proposed Metra STAR line, a line that would connect suburb to suburb instead of travel in and out of downtown Chicago. The segments identified will be advanced in the planning process through more detailed analysis in the future.
Current Activities
This project was completed, and a final report published in June 2005. After completing an Alternatives Analysis for the STAR Line in 2012, Metra chose not to continue to pursue the project due to a variety of factors.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.08.2017 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | Robbins Metra Station Transit-Oriented Development Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Robbins | $57,000 |
|
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 under Related Reports. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | Joliet Arsenal Area Transportation Plan | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Joliet Arsenal Development Authority | $190,000 |
|
Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Joliet Arsenal Area Transportation Plan identifies the transportation services that will be required to support existing and future development on an around the former Joliet Arsenal and provides guidance to implementing agencies regarding priorities and needs in southwestern Will county. The 23,000 acre former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant is being re-developed for non-military use including the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, a county landfill and two major industrial parks.
Current Activities
This project was completed in April 2004. The creation of a Southwest TMA was recommended within this study, which was evaluated in a subsequent study by the RTA found at https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2813. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | Morton Grove Commuter Station Location Analysis | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Morton Grove | $99,500 |
|
Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Village of Morton Grove Commuter Station Location Analysis prepared redevelopment scenarios for the Lehigh/Ferris area that included recommendations for high density residential, improvements to commuter rail station facilities and the expansion of commuter parking. The study also determined that relocating the existing commuter station and realigning Lehigh Avenue was not feasible. Realigning Lincoln Avenue at Ferris to cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle is recommended and the preferred alternative.
Current Activities
In 2010, the Village received an ITEP grant for $446,600 to help defray the cost of a realignment of Lincoln Avenue to mitigate traffic and safety issues at the at-grade crossing, a recommendation from the study. The Village is still searching for funding to complete this project. The Woodlands (320 condominiums and 78 townhomes) was built between 2002 and 2006. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | University Park | $74,933 |
|
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 Related Reports section below. In 2020, the RTA awarded University Park grant funds to sponsor an update to the TOD Plan. The University Park TOD Plan Update was completed in early 2023 and adopted by the Village Board in February 2023. More information can be found at the following link: https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2994. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | Skokie Swift Station Location Feasibility Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Skokie | $159,883 |
|
Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The Skokie Swift (CTA Yellow Line) operates 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 experienced 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. Improvements included 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. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
||||||||||||||||
+ | Riverdale 138th Street Station Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Riverdale | $48,500 |
|
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 |