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 | |||||||
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+ | #44 Wallace/Racine Bus Route Extension and Service Expansion | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) | $919,538 |
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Programmed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
Through the expansion of this bus route by 2 miles and the extension of weekend service hours from 7:00pm to 11:00 pm, this project will provide greater accessibility to a rapidly growing retail corridor along Roosevelt Rd. from State to Clinton resulting in increased access to jobs for low income individuals, seniors, the disabled, and other residents.
Current Activities
CTA does not have sufficient funds to meet federal local matching requirements at this time. The project cannot be implemented until local funds become available.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 09.17.2014 |
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+ | Prairie Grove Town Center and TOD Development Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Prairie Grove | $118,418 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This study will create a transit-oriented development plan for the Village that encompasses an approximate ½ mile radius of the location of the future station on the spur of Metra's Union Pacific Northwest Line.
Current Activities
The Prairie Grove Village Board adopted the Town Center plan on June 15, 2010. This station is part of the proposed UP-NW Extension plans. According to the 2016 State of the System Report, Metra is pursuing funding for this project from the federal New Starts program. The UP-NW Extension Alternatives Analysis and Environmental Impact Statement phases have been completed. For more information please visit: https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/about-metra/studies/up-nw_aa_final_report_october2007.pdf.
The Village was also included in the 2011 Community Planning Program of projects to update their TOD area zoning regulations in anticipation of new development. These regulations are currently on hold as the property clears the foreclosure process. As soon as the property is clear, the Village will consider adopting these regulations. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.15.2018 |
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+ | East Dundee: Dundee Crossing Transit Center | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | East Dundee | $99,770 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This study investigated a location for a proposed transit center within the Village, which would serve as a Pace bus hub and Park-N-Ride facility. At the time of the study it was determined that a comprehensive transit center located within Dundee Crossing would not be viable due low ridership demand coupled with the location of adjunct transit centers in Elgin and Prairie Stone. The study also included a preliminary assessment for adding Pace bus service on Route 72 from the Village to Prairie Stone business park. The study also recommended designing the strategic parcels identified in the study to be transit-friendly to achieve economic development objectives. Current Activities
The final report was completed in November 2010. Per a recommendation in the plan, the Village updated their zoning ordinance to allow more transit-supportive uses. Recently, two phases of an IHDA-approved senior living development have been completed at the Northwest corner of Routes 72 & 25: River Haven Place (68 units) and Gardiner Place (80 units). Currently the Village is looking for ways to improve access to the area Pace Bus routes. The RTA is providing assistance as needed. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 05.08.2023 |
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+ | Will County Coordinated Paratransit Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Will County | $99,995 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This study created a coordinated paratransit plan for the County. This included an inventory of existing paratransit services, a gap analysis based on the inventory, and identified strategies to begin the development of an action plan to implement a pilot program of a coordinated paratransit initiative.
Current Activities
The final plan was adopted by the Will County Board of Directors in November 2010 and the RTA worked with the County to implement the recommendations, including forming a Coordinated Paratransit Committee and identifying funding opportunities for a Mobility Manager.
In November 2011, the RTA Board approved funding through the Job Access Reverse Commute/New Freedom (JARC/NF) program for the Will County Mobility Management Program . This program will provide transportation and mobility management services for persons with disabilities, the elderly and low-income individuals residing in eastern Will County townships. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 12.15.2016 |
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+ | Chicago Southland Transit Region | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) | $175,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This study, sponsored by the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), encompassed the communities within the service area of the SSMMA and located along either the Metra Electric Line, Rock Island Line, Southwest Service, or the proposed SouthEast Service Line. This study created station area and developer typologies for each of the stations as well as development and design guidelines.
Current Activities
The final report was adopted by the SSMMA Board in April 2011. Phase II of this study was completed in 2012, focusing on identifying conceptual development programs for five specific sites in three communities within the study area. As a follow-up, the SSMMA received assistance from the RTA (with support from ULI) in 2013 to solicit guidance, advice and input from the development community for four sites within the SSMMA region, one of which is Oak Forest. This discussion took place on December 10, 2013 and a Summary Report of this discussion can be found below under "Related Studies".
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 10.05.2018 |
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+ | #67 67th/69th/71st Street - Bus Route Extension | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) | $320,744 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
Expansion of this route from its present terminal at 71st St. & Pulaski to the Ford Center Shopping Center improves access to major retail and industrial establishments that provide job opportunities for low income individuals.
Current Activities
CTA implemented the service on September 6, 2009. The service provided 315,015 trips in June 2014 with an estimated 7,200 trips attributable to the expanded service.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 09.17.2014 |
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+ | Pace Harlem Avenue Corridor Plan | Community Planning | Corridor Planning | Southwest Conference of Mayors | $197,155 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project was sponsored by the Southwest Conference of Mayors and resulted in a plan to improve traffic movement and transit options along Harlem Avenue from 63rd Street to I-80, making Harlem Avenue a more vibrant and active corridor in the southwest suburbs. Current Activities
The Southwest Conference of Mayors hosted a Developers Summit on September 2013 to discuss the recommendations of the Harlem Avenue Corridor Plan with potential developers. In September of 2020 demolition commenced of a long-vacant trucking terminal at 10301 S. Harlem Ave. in Chicago Ridge. The 75-acre property originally owned by Yellow Freight property lies within a 105-acre TIF zone stretching along Harlem, the largest tract of land available for development in the Village. In 2021 the Village of Worth was awarded Invest in Cook funding for a 0.8-mile long new sidewalk and multi-use path north of the Cal-Sag Channel between Harlem Avenue and Metra’s SouthWest Service Station in Palos Heights. The project will help connect Pace bus routes, retail corridors, recreational facilities, and community destinations as well as tie the Cal-Sag Trail to commuter rail service, which were recommendations of the plan. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 09.28.2021 |
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+ | Joliet Intermodal Transportation Center Feasibility Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Joliet | $125,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This study examined the feasibility of creating a new intermodal transportation center in the City Center, adjacent to the existing Union Station. The study also provided recommendations to create intermodal connectivity, improve public transportation and passenger efficiencies and identify potential opportunities for adaptive reuse of the existing Union Station.
Current Activities
The Joliet Gateway Center transportation campus is a $43.4 million project that includes the construction of new commuter parking and kiss-and-ride facilities (completed in 2013), construction of a new bus facility, construction of a new train station, and the relocation of train passenger platforms. The project is funded through a $32 million grant from the State of Illinois, $7.5 million in funding from the City of Joliet, $2.2 million from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, and $1.7 million from PACE. The Gateway Center project demonstrates the continued partnership of the State, City and County, the RTA, Metra, PACE, Amtrak, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad, and Union Pacific Railroad.
The new Rock Island train passenger platform and temporary Heritage Corridor platform both opened in 2014, in addition to the New Street Pedestrian tunnel. The UP and BNSF are working on the rail viaduct including bridge reconstruction, rail realignment, interlocker rebuild and new signals. The City's contractors will also be coordinating work on the new tunnels to coincide with the work that will be done by the railroads to take advantage of pre-scheduled train service outages. The new train station including new platforms opened in April 2018. A new 10 story ($195 Million) County Courthouse at southwest corner of Ottawa and Jefferson Streets in downtown Joliet is under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2020. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 10.30.2018 |
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+ | Western Springs Downtown Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Western Springs | $119,980 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
Called the "Queen Suburb of Chicago" by early realtors, Western Springs is known as a community with lovely homes, great neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. It also has a wonderful, small downtown with unique restaurants and shops centered on a Metra commuter rail station. To maintain and enhance this unique core of community life, in 2011 the Village crafted a Downtown Redevelopment Plan. The planning process involved an extensive public participation process, including a community survey, participatory workshops, a temporary storefront office for walk-in conversations about downtown, direct interviews and meetings with property owners and developers, and oversight by a steering committee. The intensive process resulted in a Plan that was adopted by the Village Board on August 22 by Ordinance 11-2643 as an amendment to the Village's Comprehensive Plan. Highlights of the plan include a wayfinding system, a renovation strategy for the overall streetscape, identification of nine potential redevelopment sites, creation of design guidelines, façade renovation sketches, implementation strategies, a marketing and promotions strategy, and examination of parking demand and identification of parking improvements. Current Activities
Construction completed in 2020 of Foxford Station, a 28 unit condominium development with 3,800 square feet of ground-floor commercial space at Wolf Road and Burlington, across the street from the Metra station. A developer plans to break ground in the fall of 2022 on a 10-unit condominium development on Hillgrove Ave., between Franklin and Howard Avenues. The RTA will continue to monitor progress and offer assistance as needed. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 10.25.2022 |
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+ | #1 Indiana/Hyde Park Service Expansion | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) | $520,000 |
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Programmed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project expands service from morning and evening rush hours to 6:00 am -8:00 pm thus increasing access to jobs for low income individuals working non-traditional and/or extended hours in corridor.
Current Activities
CTA does not have sufficient funds to meet federal local matching requirements at this time. The project cannot be implemented until local funds become available.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 04.07.2017 |