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 ascending | Project Title | Program | Project Type | Project Partner | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status | |||||||||
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+ | Richton Park Station Area Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Richton Park | $87,710 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project explored mixed-use redevelopment opportunities by conducting a preliminary market analysis and survey of stakeholder perceptions. Design guidelines, implementation strategies and a preferred concept plan were developed.
Current Activities
This project was completed in November 2004. The Village was chosen as part of the 2013 RTA Community Planning Program to participate in a RTA/ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice from the development community on ways to attract TOD investment. This panel convened on December 13, 2013 and a summary of this discussion can be found in the Study Documents.
In early 2015 the RTA applied for CMAQ funds on behalf of the Village, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program, for pedestrian improvements in the Metra station area. The project was chosen for CMAQ funding in fall of 2015 as part of the RTA's combined application. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.03.2017 |
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+ | Fox River Grove Downtown Redevelopment Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Fox River Grove | $72,500 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The Fox River Grove Downtown Redevelopment Plan developed a market-based concept plan for the Metra station area. The plan specifically utilized the proximity of the Fox River to the downtown and proposed new commuter rail facilities as a key to redevelopment. Given that the downtown is bisected by a major arterial and the commuter rail line, that are adjacent and parallel to each other, a pedestrian underpass under U.S. Route 14 was recommended to help achieve greater connectivity between the north and south sides of the downtown. The plan was completed in December 2003.
Current Activities
Expanded station facilities opened in summer of 2013 including a second (western) waiting area in December 2013 at Northwest Highway and Lincoln Ave. The Village is exploring development options for the former Grove Residences site at River Road and Route 14.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.15.2018 |
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+ | Maywood Station Area Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Maywood | $88,368 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The Maywood station area planning project developed a plan for revitalizing the downtown core and improving pedestrian and vehicular access in the station area.
The station area plan was developed in concert with a new Village comprehensive plan.
Current Activities
The study was completed in January 2004. The Village was chosen as part of the 2012 RTA Community Planning Program of Projects for assistance with developer recruitment and solicitation of opportunities in the TOD study area. A panel of development experts met in December 2012 to discuss redevelopment opportunities in the TOD area. A Summary of this discussion can be found in the Related Reports section. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
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+ | Woodstock Transit-Oriented Development Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Woodstock | $67,500 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Woodstock Transit-Oriented Development Study project focused on integrating transportation and mobility improvements into a station area plan that included the redevelopment of the vacant Die Cast lot north of the Woodstock Metra station.
Current Activities
The study was completed in November 2003. The 12-acre Die-Cast site (located just east and adjacent to the UP tracks) was partially redeveloped with a 10-unit townhome community called Woodstock Station by The Hummel Group in 2008. Six acres of the original planning study site remains undeveloped. In 2018 the renovation of the former Elks Lodge at Cass and Throop Street into a retail, café and bar and the conversion of the BMO Harris Bank Building on the Square to a Brew Pub and Café are examples of transit supportive infill development in downtown Woodstock.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.15.2018 |
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+ | Lake County 2020 Transportation Plan: Transit Component | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Lake County | $0 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project evaluated existing transportation conditions in Lake County, developed travel demand forecasts and developed a program of improvement scenarios for transit and highways. The plan builds upon the Lake County Transportation Improvement Project, a joint effort by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA), that produced alternatives consisting of major road and transit improvements.
Current Activities
The plan was completed in June 2002. The Lake County Board adopted the Plan in 2002 and the RTA has been monitoring progress on implementation activities as they occur.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.28.2013 |
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+ | Inner and Outer Circumferential Rail Corridors Feasibility Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Metra | $188,721 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project determined the most viable markets for commuter rail service along the inner (IHB/BRC) and outer (EJE) circumferential rail corridors for the proposed Metra STAR line, a line that would connect suburb to suburb instead of travel in and out of downtown Chicago. The segments identified will be advanced in the planning process through more detailed analysis in the future.
Current Activities
This project was completed, and a final report published in June 2005. After completing an Alternatives Analysis for the STAR Line in 2012, Metra chose not to continue to pursue the project due to a variety of factors.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.08.2017 |
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+ | Robbins Metra Station Transit-Oriented Development Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Robbins | $57,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
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
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
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+ | Joliet Arsenal Area Transportation Plan | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Joliet Arsenal Development Authority | $190,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Joliet Arsenal Area Transportation Plan identifies the transportation services that will be required to support existing and future development on an around the former Joliet Arsenal and provides guidance to implementing agencies regarding priorities and needs in southwestern Will county. The 23,000 acre former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant is being re-developed for non-military use including the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, a county landfill and two major industrial parks.
Current Activities
This project was completed in April 2004. The creation of a Southwest TMA was recommended within this study, which was evaluated in a subsequent study by the RTA found at https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2813. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
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+ | Morton Grove Commuter Station Location Analysis | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Morton Grove | $99,500 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Village of Morton Grove Commuter Station Location Analysis prepared redevelopment scenarios for the Lehigh/Ferris area that included recommendations for high density residential, improvements to commuter rail station facilities and the expansion of commuter parking. The study also determined that relocating the existing commuter station and realigning Lehigh Avenue was not feasible. Realigning Lincoln Avenue at Ferris to cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle is recommended and the preferred alternative.
Current Activities
In 2010, the Village received an ITEP grant for $446,600 to help defray the cost of a realignment of Lincoln Avenue to mitigate traffic and safety issues at the at-grade crossing, a recommendation from the study. The Village is still searching for funding to complete this project. The Woodlands (320 condominiums and 78 townhomes) was built between 2002 and 2006. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
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+ | University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | University Park | $74,933 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study recommends the establishment of mixed use development in the station area that would also functionally connect the east and west sides of the Village. The plan also recommends improved connections among Village neighborhoods, Governors State University and the station. The study was completed in September 2002.
Current Activities
The Village is exploring ways to incentivize development around the Metra station as well as near Governors State University. Currently the Village is working on various road improvement projects, especially improving Stuenkel Road with new pavement and a 10' multi-use path connecting GSU to Metra. IDOT constructed a new interchange at I-57 and Stuenkel Road which improves road access to GSU and the Village. Governors State University transitioned to a 4-year college in the Fall of 2014, which will bring an estimated 12,000 students to the area each year. A 3-phase, 10-building student housing project called Prairie Place is currently being constructed on campus to provide on-site housing. With this new housing comes the anticipated need for retail/commercial food opportunities. In advance of the University's expansion, the Village worked with the RTA to convene an RTA/ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice on ways to attract investment in the TOD area and near campus. This panel convened in March 2014. A summary of the discussion can be found in the Related Reports section below. In 2020, the RTA awarded University Park grant funds to sponsor an update to the TOD Plan. The University Park TOD Plan Update was completed in early 2023 and adopted by the Village Board in February 2023. More information can be found at the following link: https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2994. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |