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.

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This search filters based on details within the Planning Project. The search box below allows users to search by Planning Project name.

Year Project Title Sort descending Program Project Type Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status
+ Cary Metra Station Mobility Hub Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Cary $585,513
  • Federal
  • RTA
In Progress

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

The RTA awarded the Village of Cary construction funding to develop the Depot Plaza in downtown Cary, as envisioned in the Cary Downtown Strategic Plan. Improvements will include an open-air plaza with artificial turf, shelter for bicyclists and pedestrians waiting for the McRide bus service, ride sharing, taxis, and outbound Metra service,  modifications to the sidewalk to increase walkability and improve pedestrian safety, built in planters to add color and character, and new benches.

Current Activities

Phase II engineering plans have been completed and are being prepared for IDOT submittal pending coordination with Metra.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Federal $468,410
RTA $58,551

Last Updated 01.09.2024

+ Cary TOD Developer Dialogue Community Planning Developer Panel Cary $3,500
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description

The RTA provided assistance to the Village in soliciting guidance and advice from development experts through a half-day discussion panel. This panel discussed the development climate and potential strategies to prepare for and attract development to specific parcels near the Cary Metra station. The Final Report is attached.

Current Activities

RTA staff has developed a final report and delivered it to the Village of Cary.  This project is complete.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $3,500

Last Updated 04.28.2023

+ Chicago - Jefferson Park Station Area Master Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Chicago $125,000
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description

This project assisted the City of Chicago in creating a comprehensive, station area master plan for the Jefferson Park neighborhood in the vicinity of the Jefferson Park Transit Center. This plan developed recommendations for transit access improvements and transit-supportive land uses that will complement the renovated Jefferson Park Transit Center, which facilitates CTA Rail and Bus, Metra Rail and Pace Bus service.

Current Activities

The plan was reviewed and adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission on December 20, 2018. The CTA completed station renovation work in 2019. The RTA further supported implementation activities by convening a panel of developer experts in June of 2021 to provide detailed guidance to attract infill redevelopment along Milwaukee Avenue.

During the summer of 2021 the People's Alley identified in the plan will be constructed in the alley between 4870 N Milwaukee and 5438 W Higgins. The alley will feaure a pedestrian plaza, new pavers, decorative overhead lights, seating and an identifying arch at the entrance.

In January of 2021 Chicago's City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate unanimously voted to approve the sale of the property at 4841 N. Lipps Ave., formerly the Jefferson Park Firehouse, to a developer with plans to convert it into a mixed used development, with a first floor brewery with residential units on the upper floors.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $20,000
Local $25,000
Federal $80,000

Last Updated 07.23.2021

+ Chicago - Metra Milwaukee District West Line Transit-Friendly Development Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Chicago $219,622
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This City of Chicago-sponsored study encompassed five Metra stations along the Milwaukee District West Line within the City of Chicago (Grand / Cicero, Hanson Park, Galewood, Mars, and Montclare). The study provided recommendations for potential transit-oriented development near each station.
Current Activities
The final report was approved by the City's Plan Commission in December 2012. The Implementation Task Force is currently focusing on the creation, installation and maintenance of wayfinding signs, a main recommendation of the study.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $175,698
Local $43,924

Last Updated 06.20.2014

+ Chicago - South Shore Corridor Study Community Planning Corridor Planning Chicago $146,031
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports
Description

This project developed a plan for two corridors, the East 75th and East 79th Street corridors, between Stony Island Avenue and the lakefront in the South Shore neighborhood. The plan identifies 10 Ideas for Action to improve land use, business retention, housing and connectivity to transit for both corridors.

Current Activities

The Chicago Plan Commission adopted the plan in May 2020 and in June announced the award of Neighborhood Opportunity Funds to two projects that will rehabilitate two vacant storefronts along 79th Street, $52,500 for rehab and build-out for a new co-working space at 1642 E. 79th Street, and $90,000 for renovation and reuse of a vacant building​ for an architecture studio at 2320 E. 79th Street.

In February 2021 Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sisters in Cinema Media Center on East 75th Street at Yates. The Center will house gallery space, a 45-seat theater, editing and computer lab, offices, and classroom and conference space. The Center is scheduled to open in September of 2021.

In the spring of 2021 the City released a two-part RFP for a 1.7-acre site that includes vintage, low-rise buildings and for vacant land adjacent to the Cheltenham station on Metra’s Electric Main Line. The RFP goals include the construction and rehabilitation of transit-oriented housing and ancillary uses. Bids are due August 31, 2021.

The RTA continues to monitor implementation and offer assistance to the City as requested.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $28,729
Local $7,302
Federal $110,000

Last Updated 05.18.2021

+ Chicago 31st Street Little Village Corridor Study Community Planning Corridor Planning Chicago $80,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports
Description

The RTA assisted the Chicago Department of Transportation in identifying access to transit and mobility improvements along 31st Street from Sacramento Avenue to the city limits, particularly for non-auto users (pedestrians, transit riders, and bicyclists). This work included collecting and aggregating data of travel trends and traveler demographics in the study area and assisting with community outreach to obtain consensus on plan recommendations. The final plan includes block-by-block improvements that can be made to improve the environment for people walking, biking and using transit, thereby improving walkability and safety.

Current Activities

Work on the project began in May of 2021 and was completed in April of 2023. CDOT is now working to identify funding sources and a strategy to implement the plan recommendations. The RTA will continue to monitor for implementation activity. The plan can be found under Related Reports.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $64,000
Local $16,000

Last Updated 01.03.2024

+ Chicago Auburn Gresham 79th Street Corridor Plan Community Planning Corridor Planning Chicago $134,990
  • RTA
  • Local
In Progress

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

The RTA is assisting the City of Chicago with an initiative to provide transformative changes along the 79th Street commercial corridor within the Auburn Gresham community areas. A plan will be developed to serve as a guide for future housing, retail and transportation investments in the community.

Current Activities

The draft corridor plan is being reviewed by the community, who is submitting feedback before finalizing the plan in late winter.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $128,990
Local $6,000

Last Updated 02.12.2024

+ Chicago Heights Pace Route Access Improvements Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Chicago Heights $124,920
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
In Progress

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

The project will add access improvements to the Chicago Heights Pace terminal located at 16th St. and Vincennes Ave. They include replacement of existing sidewalks, adding ADA-compliant crosswalks, a bus staging lane and covered bike parking.

Current Activities

Phase I Engineering Complete. The City is currently in coordination with Illinois Department of Transportation for a Qualified Based Selection and Phase II design.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $12,492
Local $12,492
Federal $99,936

Last Updated 01.09.2024

+ Chicago Heights Station Area Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Chicago Heights $99,575
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description

This project examined potential pedestrian enhancements and transit-supportive land uses within the City's downtown which includes the Pace Chicago Heights bus terminal and a proposed site for a station on the SouthEast Service Line Extension.

Current Activities

The plan was adopted by the City Council in November 2009. The plan recommends locating the station near the existing 17th Street Crossing and closing the 17th Street Crossing to provide for safe access to the station. Redevelopment of the area around the station includes mixed-use and condo and townhouse style housing.

In 2010, Metra completed the Alternatives Analysis for the proposed SouthEast Service Line and on March 7, 2011, then Governor Quinn signed into law House Bill 1644 which established the Southeast Commuter Rail Transit District which now has authority to acquire rights to use the freight rail line, buy land to build train stations and purchase rail cars. However, in 2015 Metra put a hold on further development of the line due to limited funding resources.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $19,915
Federal $79,660

Last Updated 06.08.2017

+ Chicago Ridge Metra Station and Pace Route Access Improvements Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Chicago Ridge $998,239
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

The project funds pedestrian-related improvements along Ridgeland Avenue between 102nd and 111th Streets, which is served by the Chicago Ridge Metra station and Pace Route 384. Improvements include a new crosswalk, pedestrian signal countdowns, pavement striping, pedestrian railroad safety gates, ornamental lighting, way-finding signs, and bike racks.

Current Activities

Project completed.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $199,647
Federal $798,592

Last Updated 10.17.2022