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 ascending Project Type Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status
+ Manhattan Village Center Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Manhattan $125,018
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This study created a transit-oriented development plan for the area adjacent to the Manhattan Metra station. The plan provides guidance for the location of civic, residential, office, commercial, and recreational spaces. Particular attention is paid at enhancing the core downtown while developing a 100-acre parcel adjacent to the station. The plan makes recommendations for the surrounding land uses, transportation improvements, and proposed crossings while outlining an implementation plan and design guidelines to be used by the Village and potential developers. The Manhattan Village Board unanimously adopted the Village Center Master Plan in September 2010 and this plan was awarded an IL-APA Award in 2011.
Current Activities
The RTA provided the Village with continued support through Community Planning Program with two projects: Updating the Village's TOD zoning regulations and a ULI Developer Discussion Panel. The Village of Manhattan unanimously approved the Downtown Zoning District in June 2012. As a follow-up, the RTA worked with ULI to convene panel of development experts to discuss the future of development in the TOD area in April 2013. A summary of this discussion can be found below in Study Documents.

The Village is currently focusing on improving the attractiveness of public space in the TOD area. The first project completed was a new public parking lot on Wabash between North Street and US Route 52 and the Village will soon begin preparing a layout for the area behind Village Hall to include additional public parking, landscaping and a gathering space for community events as recommended during the Developer Panel Discussion. The RTA will monitor these projects and offer assistance as needed.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $100,000
Local $25,018

Last Updated 09.15.2017

+ Blue Island Developer Discussion Panel Community Planning Developer Panel Blue Island $3,750
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
The RTA chose Blue Island 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 City as they work to attract TOD investment on a City-owned parcel adjacent to the 119th Street Metra station.
Current Activities
This panel convened in August 2013 and a summary of this discussion can be found in the Study Documents. In March 2015 the City issued a RFQ seeking a redevelopment partner for approximately 7.5 acres at the southeast corner of 119th Street and Vincennes Road. The site will serve as a gateway to Blue Island and create a commercial or mixed-use node, as identified in the Comprehensive Plan and the City is still working with potential developers to explore public and private funding sources to help finance a development.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $3,750

Last Updated 11.17.2016

+ Hanover Park Village Center Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Hanover Park $100,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project created a transit-oriented development plan for the Village's Metra station area. The station area was designated in the 2010 Village of Hanover Park Comprehensive Plan as the location of the new Village Center and this plan built upon this vision by planning for increased residential density, mixed use retail, and freestanding retail and office space. The plan is anchored on the Village's existing Metra station and also accounts for anticipated land use changes due to a planned boulevard as an approach to the western terminus of the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway. The Village Board formally adopted the Transit-Oriented Development Plan as an amendment to their comprehensive plan in May 2012.
Current Activities
The Village's TOD plan continues to encourage development adjacent to the Hanover Park Metra station. A 126 unit townhome development was completed in 2014 and is located approximately 1/4 mile north and within convenient walking distances of the Metra station and connecting Pace bus services (route 554).

Through the RTA Community Planning Program, the Village participated in a RTA/ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice from the development community on ways to attract investment in the TOD area. This panel convened in February 2014 and a summary report of the discussion can be found below in the Study Documents.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $80,000
Local $20,000

Last Updated 06.18.2018

+ DuPage Area Transit Plan Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan DuPage Mayors & Managers $277,245
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports
Description

This study was conducted by the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference in cooperation with DuPage County. The DuPage Area Transit Plan included both a short term and long range transit plan for the County. Throughout the development of the plan stakeholders from the county including elected officials, county and local community staff, and area residents were engaged through an extensive grass roots public involvement process to provide input into the plan. This process resulted in the identification of quality of life issues with respect to the provision and availability of transit service in the County.

Current Activities

The plan was completed in August 2002. The RTA also funded an update to this study. Please visit https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2746 for more information on the updated study. In 2013 the Village of Glen Ellyn was awarded CMAQ program funds, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program for multi-modal access improvements to Pace Route 301, which was a recommendation made in the DuPage Area Transit Plan.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $150,778
Federal $126,467

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ La Grange Stone Avenue Station Access Improvement Plan Community Planning Pedestrian Access to Transit La Grange $0
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
The RTA worked with the Village to convene a working group consisting of Village staff, RTA staff, CMAP, Metra, ATA BNSF Railway and the ICC to identify ways to improve pedestrian mobility and access to the Metra Station.
Current Activities
The Village used this document to seek out funding opportunities to fund the recommended improvements. In 2013 CMAP approved the RTA's submittal to fund 80% of the cost for local access to transit capital improvements for the Stone Avenue Metra Station, as recommended in this plan. The RTA has approved the local match as part of the 2014 budget and projects began in mid-2014. The full Access Improvements report can be found below in the Study Documents section below.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $0

Last Updated 06.13.2017

+ Evanston CTA and Metra Main Street Stations Bicycle Parking Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Evanston $70,000
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

This project included the purchase and installation of a total of 40 bike parking facilities on three new concrete pads around the CTA and Metra Main Street Stations.

Current Activities

Construction on the project and installation of the bike racks was completed in fall of 2017. Improvements include increased access to the Metra and CTA Main Street stations, CTA #205 and Northwestern University Intercampus Shuttle bus routes. The bike parking facilities improve access to these transit stations, in addition to business and commercial districts along Chicago Avenue and Main Street. Moreover, this project complements the City of Evanston's other efforts to encourage alternative transportation use.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $14,000
Federal $56,000

Last Updated 06.26.2023

+ Skokie CTA Station Access Improvements Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Skokie $314,760
  • RTA
  • Federal
In Progress

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

Improvements include covered and non-covered bicycle parking, as well as an ADA ramp at the Village's Yellow stations. The Dempster station will receive 36 additional bicycle parking spots, an improved sidewalk connection to the bicycle parking, and an ADA accessible ramp. At Oakton-Skokie station, bicycle parking will be added to accommodate 30 additional bicycles.

Current Activities

Skokie needs to coordinate with ComEd and with IDOT in order to get this project the approval to proceed.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $62,952
Federal $251,808

Last Updated 03.29.2024

+ Northbrook Pace Route and Metra Station Access Improvements Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Northbrook $200,863
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description

This project funded the installation of new shared lane markings (AKA sharrows), allowing the Village to implement low-cost recommendations from its Master Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The project included the installation of covered bike parking and wayfinding at the Northbrook Metra station.

Current Activities

Construction of the improvements was completed in 2023. 

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $20,086
Local $20,086
Federal $160,691

Last Updated 04.26.2024

+ Harvey Pace Route Access Improvements Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Harvey $55,000
  • RTA
In Progress

Project Details

Description

The RTA has awarded $55,000 to the City of Harvey to complete Phase I engineering required for improvements along Broadway Avenue in downtown Harvey. The project will include transit access improvements such as bus shelters, pedestrian improvements including ADA-compliant intersections, and new roadway bike facilities. These improvements will better provide for a multi-modal downtown Harvey and will connect the new Pace Harvey Transportation Center with Broadway Avenue.

Current Activities

Phase I Engineering is underway and expected to be completed in March 2025.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $55,000

Last Updated 04.26.2024

+ Bensenville Metra Station Access Improvements Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Bensenville $500,000
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

This project improved access to the Bensenville Metra Station through the construction of new sidewalks and bike parking at the station and along the adjacent Railroad Ave. Additionally, the commuter parking lot was reconfigured to enhance pedestrian and transit access to the station through the addition of a bus shelter and sidewalks. Other improvements included widened sidewalks, ornamental roadway lighting, bike racks, crosswalks, and a bus layover area.

Current Activities

Construction began in summer of 2018 and is now complete. Improvements include a more accessible and pedestrian friendly Metra and Pace service area for their users, potentially leading to an increase in ridership. 2018 weekday boardings increased 16% over 2016 according to Metra Boarding and Alighting Counts. Additionally, Beautification of the existing Railroad Avenue from York Road to Center Street has enhanced the pedestrian friendly nature of the Bensenville downtown area.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $100,000
Federal $400,000

Last Updated 05.18.2021