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 Sort descending Project Type Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status
+ Rolling Meadows Golf Road Transit and Pedestrian Mobility Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Rolling Meadows $88,760
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project provided recommendations aimed at improving pedestrian access, circulation and safety along Golf Road (IL Route 58) from Interstate 290 (IL Route 53) to Algonquin Road (IL Route 62), a 2 mile corridor that is home to several thousand professional jobs. The study focused on ways to make the area transit and pedestrian friendly, and examined the possibility of increased local transit service.
Current Activities
The final plan was presented to and approved by the City Council on March 19, 2013. An Implementation Task Force has been formed and continues to pursue funding options for plan recommendations, particularly pedestrian improvements and additional shuttle service.

The City received Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program, to install two pedestrian signal heads, two miles of sidewalks, and five crosswalks in the study area. Installation of these improvements was completed in late 2016.

Pace initiated Call-n-Ride service for the corridor in October 2012. Additionally, the Implementation Task Force is working with the TMA of Lake Cook to investigate possible Shuttle Bug service.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $71,008
Local $17,752

Last Updated 05.31.2017

+ Bensenville Developer Discussion Panel Community Planning Developer Panel Bensenville $3,500
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description

The RTA chose Bensenville 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 Village as they work to attract TOD investment in their Metra station area.

Current Activities

This panel convened in September 2012 and a summary of this discussion can be found to the right under Related Reports. The RTA is monitoring progress and will offer assistance with implementation as needed.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $3,500

Last Updated 07.28.2021

+ Bellwood Transit Oriented-Development Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Bellwood $103,855
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project produced a redevelopment plan that integrates transit-supportive land uses with Metra commuter rail service and Pace bus service along the St. Charles Road corridor.
Current Activities
The Plan was completed in April 2008.

In November 2013 the Village completed a Comprehensive Plan that includes recommendations for priority redevelopment sites in the TOD Area.

Additionally, the Village was selected in 2014 to host a Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice from ULI members on ways to attract investment along the St. Charles Road corridor; a summary report of this discussion can be found on the Bellwood Developer Discussion Panel RTAMS page.

In early 2015, the RTA applied for CMAQ funds on behalf of the Village for pedestrian improvements along St. Charles Road as a selected project in the Access to Transit Improvement Program. A Single-Family Homes residential project, 'Randolph Estates' consisting of 12 units and 48 parking spaces began construction in September 2016 and was completed in December 2018. In addition, a 10,483 sq. ft medical clinic, 'Oak Street Health' began construction in March 2018 and was completed in July 2018.

In early 2019 the Village was awarded Invest in Cook funds from Cook County Department of Transportation to complete St. Charles Road Sidewalk ADA Ramp Improvements.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $20,771
Federal $83,084

Last Updated 12.11.2019

+ Robbins Metra Station Transit-Oriented Development Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Robbins $57,000
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
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
Source Amount
RTA $11,400
Federal $45,600

Last Updated 02.14.2024

+ Morton Grove TOD Zoning Update Community Planning TOD Zoning Morton Grove $25,000
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description
This project assisted the Village with the creation of revised zoning regulations to encourage, attract and allow TOD investment in areas near the Morton Grove Metra station. Previous to the update the zoning code did not reflect current market demands or development patterns, nor did it always allow the types of development the Village envisions in the Metra station TOD area.
Current Activities
The Village Board adopted the code amendments in December 2018. The RTA will monitor for success of the revised zoning code.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $25,000

Last Updated 12.12.2019

+ Park Forest Metra Electric District 211th Street Station Area Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Park Forest $100,000
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project studied the area surrounding the 211th Street Station, focusing on transit oriented development and pedestrian and vehicular access improvements. The Villages of Park Forest, Olympia Fields, and Matteson participated in this study. This study was completed in September 2007.
Current Activities

Park Forest received a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (ILDCEO) for a Phase II study in summer of 2010 to explore development and financial incentives to realize recommendations in the RTA-funded study. A Steering Committee consisting of representatives from Pace, Metra, RTA and Park Forest, Olympia Fields and Matteson finalized the Phase II study in the Fall of 2012 and all three communities are now focusing on implementing the recommendations.

In June 2013 the RTA coordinated with ULI to convene a developer panel to provide guidance and advice to the Village as they work to attract TOD investment near the 211th Street Metra Station. A summary of this discussion can be found in the Related Reports. Additionally, the Village was chosen as part of the 2014 Community Planning Program to complete a pedestrian access plan around the 211th Street Metra Station, which was completed in 2015.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $10,200
Local $9,800
Federal $80,000

Last Updated 02.15.2024

+ Chicago South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Chicago $449,945
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
The purpose of this study was to identify public transportation improvements that will enhance mobility for residents of the study area communities and increase access to jobs located throughout the city and surrounding areas. The South Lakefront study area borders are the lakefront on the east; the Stevenson Expressway on the north; the Dan Ryan Expressway, Norfolk Southern rail yard and Cottage Grove Avenue on the west; and 95th Street on the south. Over the last 20 years, the city, businesses, and the civic community have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment in working to address many of the economic and social challenges in the study area. This study further supports this ongoing commitment by encouraging dialogue among area residents, community leaders, institutions, developers, and city and regional transit and transportation officials. The study developed consensus on the main transit-related issues and problems in the study area and on the most important transit system investments and related community development projects so that they can be advanced to more detailed study.
Current Activities
CDOT allocated $260,000 in CMAQ funding to construct pedestrian access improvements at the 35th / IIT Green Line Station. Improvements included a pedestrian plaza, pedestrian countdown signals, crosswalks, curb bump-outs and signal timing improvements on 35th Street to improve traffic flow. To further enhance the connectivity to this station the CTA extended service on the #35 31st / 35th bus route west to Cicero Avenue. Tribune article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-cta-35-bus-1010-20131010,0,5789910.story

In 2015 the CTA was awarded funds from the RTA's Community Planning program to study the slow bus service along the 79th street corridor and to identify ways to improve the slow zones, thus restoring the reliability of this important and busy bus route. This study was completed in 2018 and can be found on RTAMS.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development will be partnering with the RTA in 2019 to complete a study in the South Shore neighborhood that will study land use, business retention, housing and connectivity to transit improvements for both corridors.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $359,956
Local $89,989

Last Updated 10.30.2018

+ 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

+ 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

+ Prairie Grove TOD Zoning Code Update Community Planning TOD Zoning Prairie Grove $21,666
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Village was chosen as part of the 2011 Community Planning Program to update their TOD area zoning regulations in anticipation of new development.
Current Activities
Adoption of the new zoning regulations is 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
Source Amount
RTA $21,666

Last Updated 10.04.2017