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 Program Project Type Project Partner Sort descending 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

Project plans have been submitted to both IDOT and Metra for review.  IDOT has scheduled the project for letting on June 2024 pending final revisions to plans and documentation.

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

Last Updated 03.29.2024

+ Elevated Chicago Action Plans Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Elevated Chicago $100,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description

The RTA and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) partnered together with Elevated Chicago, a collaboration of 17 public, private and nonprofit organizations, to develop two implementation action plans, one in the Washington Park area surrounding the Garfield CTA Green Line station and the other near the Logan Square Blue Line station. The assistance focused on CTA station access, traffic and circulation, community safety, equity, placemaking, economic development and beautification. Public outreach was conducted to generate public interest and engage partners to identify implementable actions.

Current Activities

Work in Washington Park was completed in 2022 and work in Logan Square was completed in 2023. The Economic Development Action Guide (under Related Reports) was developed for the residents of Washington Park to use as a strategy for advancing their goals for future development and redevelopment in the neighborhood. The final report for Logan Square is also found under Related Reports.

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

Last Updated 01.03.2024

+ 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

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 03.29.2024

+ 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

+ Hazel Crest 170th Street Station Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Hazel Crest $55,000
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Village of Hazel Crest 170th Street Station Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study resulted in a concept plan, design criteria and strategies for redevelopment of the station area. The study also recommended improved pedestrian and vehicular access, shared parking for commuters and business patrons, and physical improvements to buildings and infrastructure in the study area.
Current Activities

The study was completed in October, 2002 however, the Village received funding in 2016 from SSMMA to complete and update of the TOD Plan to take into account changes in market conditions as well as availability of affordable housing. In 2012, the Village was part of a Homes for a Changing Region report that explored regional and state strategies to address imbalances in northeastern Illinois' housing stock. Also involved were the Villages of Lansing, Olympia Fields and Park Forest with the RTA providing support as needed. This report recommends that Hazel Crest focus on rehabilitating existing housing stock and prioritize infill development around the Metra station area and along key corridors by revising zoning regulations to allow for higher densities. Click here for more information

In 2020 Metra completed a $3.5 million renovation of the Hazel Crest Metra station. The Village is working to ensure the new station will continue to be a catalyst for new development and investment.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $11,000
Federal $44,000

Last Updated 02.14.2024

+ Glenwood Station Area Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Glenwood $91,750
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports
Description
This study created a transit-oriented development plan for the potential transit station on the proposed Southeast Service Line that would be located within the Village. The plan provides guidance for the location of the station, surrounding land uses, and transportation improvements. The plan also outlines an implementation plan and design guidelines to be used by the Village and potential developers.
Current Activities
The Glenwood Village Board unanimously adopted the Village of Glenwood Station Area Plan in July 2010. The Board, with recommendations from the Plan Commission, preferred the northern station location while leaving the southern station location as an alternative. The plan was a culmination of a yearlong study that involved citizens, business owners, elected official, Village Staff and transit agencies.

Metra completed the Alternatives Analysis for the Southeast Service in 2010 and in 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. In 2015 Metra suspended further development of the line due to a lack of funding.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $73,400
Local $18,350

Last Updated 06.08.2017

+ Kendall Community Transit Program '08 Section 5310 / JARC / NF Capital - Operating Kendall County $900,074
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

The vehicles and operations funded by this program will be used for demand responsive paratransit service to provide door-to-door service for populations of the disabled, low income, and senior populations in the urban portions of Kendall County. The project is designed to be the first phase of a countywide general public transportation system.

Current Activities

The operating service provided 1,644 trips in April 2013. This project is complete.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $387,915
Federal $512,159

Last Updated 11.08.2021

+ - Kendall Area Transit_'20-'21 Section 5310 / JARC / NF Operating Kendall County $640,000
  • Federal
  • Local
In Progress

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

This is a general public, demand responsive dial-a-ride service that serves primarily for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the urban portions of Kendall County.   The award includes funding to support a part-time mobility manager.

Current Activities

The RTA Board approved funding for this project on August 19, 2021.  The operating service provided 2,585 trips in September 2023.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Federal $320,000
Local $320,000

Last Updated 11.24.2023

+ - Kendall County Kendall Area Transit (Operating) Section 5310 / JARC / NF Operating Kendall County $1,400,000
  • Federal
  • Local
Programmed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

Kendall Area Transit is a demand responsive dial-a-ride service that serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the urban portions of Kendall County. The service is also open to general public. Service is provided Monday-Friday from 6:00 AM -7:00 PM except certain holidays. Operating portion of the award. This is an existing program.

Current Activities

This project was approved by the RTA Board at the September 2023 meeting.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Federal $700,000
Local $700,000

Last Updated 01.17.2024

+ - Kendall County Kendall Area Transit (Mobility Management) Section 5310 / JARC / NF Mobility Management Kendall County $200,000
  • Federal
  • Local
Programmed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

Kendall Area Transit is a demand responsive dial-a-ride service that serves primarily senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the urban portions of Kendall County. The service is also open to general public. Service is provided Monday-Friday from 6:00 AM -7:00 PM except certain holidays. The award includes the funding for Mobility Management.

Current Activities

This project was approved by the RTA Board at the September 2023 meeting.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Federal $160,000
Local $40,000

Last Updated 01.17.2024