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 | Project Title | Program | Project Type | Project Partner | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status | |||||||||
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+ | Evanston Transportation Center Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Evanston | $99,210 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Evanston Transportation Center Planning Study developed conceptual plans for access improvements within and between the Evanston Davis Street transit stations and the existing and planned development in downtown Evanston. Wayfinding and pedestrian access improvements were particularily emphasized as nearly half of commuters access the stations by walking. The study also recommended specific improvements at an existing bus transfer location and a review of existing bus services to assess whether it is meeting the needs of the current transit market.
Current Activities
The study was completed in August 2001. The City incorporated design recommendations from the study, including a pedestrian ramp to the Davis Station. Mixed-use development has also been built adjacent to the east and north of the Davis St. Station.
The City was selected as part of the 2015 RTA Community Planning Program to explore ways to create a TOD Parking Policy throughout the City. In May 2020 the Evanston City Council approved an 18-story, 210,000 sq. ft. office project to be located less than 1,000 feet from both the 'L' and Metra rail service, the first high-rise office building to be constructed in the city in 20 years. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.03.2020 |
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+ | Kane County Transit Opportunity Assessment | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Kane County | $43,736 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Kane County Transit Opportunity Assessment evaluated the existing and potential transit market in the County. The study includes recommendations for further assessing opportunities for transit service in five sub-regions or markets of the County as identified by the study. Two corridors are also identified as candidates for transit services and transit supportive land use planning.
Current Activities
This study was completed in September 2002. In 2009 the RTA funded an update to this study; please visit https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2745 for more information. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
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+ | Lake County Route 60 and Route 22 Corridor Shuttle Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | TMA of Lake Cook | $45,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This study examined opportunities to improve mobility in the Route 60 and 22 corridors in Lake County by implementing shuttle bus connections to commuter rail service. The corridors include three Metra rail lines: the North Central Line, the Milwaukee District North Line, and the Union Pacific North Line. The study focused on patterning service after the successful "Shuttle Bug" routes serving Lake-Cook Road and Braeside. The partners included the RTA, the Transportation Management Association of Lake-Cook, Metra, Pace, and major employers from the corridors.
Current Activities
The study was completed in August 2000. Per recommendations in the plan, Lake Forest Shuttle Bug route #625 was implemented along Route 60 in 2001 to connect HSBC employees in Mettawa to the Lake Forest Metra Stations on the UP-N and Milwaukee North lines. Also, Shuttle Bug Route #622/12 was implemented in 2000 to service Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Leica Microsystems in Lake Forest and Bannockburn, respectively, to connect to the Milwaukee North line in Deerfield.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.28.2013 |
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+ | Olympia Fields Town Center Development Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Olympia Fields | $37,949 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project developed a concept plan for a new town center on a 54 acre green-field site adjacent to the Metra Electric station in Olympia Fields. The proposed town center includes a mix of civic, commercial, retail, and residential land uses adjacent to an expanded commuter rail facility.
Current Activities
The study was completed in October 2000 and in 2014 CMAP funded an update to this study with support from the RTA. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
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+ | Orland Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Orland Park | $50,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The Village of Orland Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study developed a conceptual plan to facilitate mixed-use development in the Metra 143rd Street station area. The plan thematically ties the station area to Orland Park's historic district, south of 143rd Street. Recommendations included a mix of land uses, including housing, shops and offices surrounding a new 143rd Street Metra station. The plan also included a recommendation for the relocation of the commuter rail station to the north and east of its current location to mitigate access and circulation problems at the original station site. The study was completed in November 2000.
Current Activities
Orland Park constructed and opened a new Metra station at 143rd Street in April 2007. Service was also doubled on the SW Service line at the same time and saw a 20% increase in ridership. The Village also updated their zoning ordinance to include transit-supportive regulations. In 2024 the Village Board approved a special use permit for a planned development at the northwest corner of the intersection between LaGrange Road and 143rd St. The planned development is located on village-owned land and is comprised of office, retail/commercial, and entertainment land uses. To facilitate the project, the Village Board is considering a 1% increase on the sales and hotel tax imposed on businesses in the TOD district, the creation of a Special Service Area to finance maintenance and stormwater infrastructure, and establishing a new TIF district. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 10.11.2024 |
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+ | Regional Transit Coordination Plan (RTCP) Management Plan | Mobility Management | Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) | $0 |
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Completed | ||||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
The Regional Transit Coordination Plan is an ongoing multi-year program aimed at enhancing regional mobility by facilitating seamless travel on public transportation. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 01.18.2023 |
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+ | Waukegan Intermodal Transit Facility Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Waukegan | $115,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Waukegan Intermodal Transit Facility Study recommends connecting the downtown area, which is located on a bluff, with the lakefront and the Metra commuter rail station utilizing transit-oriented development principles. A key component includes provisions for the development of an intermodal facility. The plan also recommends improved pedestrian, vehicular and transit access as part of the new facility. The study was completed in December 2000.
Current Activities
Waukegan completed the Washington Street Commercial Corridor Plan with assistance from CMAP's Local Technical Assistance Program in 2015. The plan identifies opportunities for economic development along a main artery of downtown Waukegan. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
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+ | Westmont Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Westmont | $40,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The Westmont Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity Study identified mixed-use redevelopment opportunities in the Metra station area. The study recommended the development of mid-rise medium density housing within the station area. In addition, the study addressed improved transit access to the station area and along Cass Avenue in the vicinity of the station. Current Activities
The study was completed in September 2000. Over the past 10 years, Westmont has built a new Village Hall & Police and Fire Department facility, a new Library, updated their Metra Station and built a new community park and fountain. Additionally, the Village installed new decorative streetscapes and a community sound system which provides background music and community announcements to enhance the pedestrian friendliness of the area. Quincy Station, a 5-story mixed use building was completed in spring of 2022. Located at the intersection of South Cass Avenue and West Quincy Street, this mixed-use, multi-family residential building features 94 residential units and a ground floor retail/commercial space. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
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+ | Northwest Corridor Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Northwest Municipal Conference | $1,129,461 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
The Northwest Corridor, centered on the I-90 Northwest Tollway, includes a substantial share of the region's activity centers and travel destinations, including O'Hare International Airport, the Schaumburg/Woodfield area and the Elk Grove Industrial Park. The Northwest Corridor Transit Feasibility Study identified and compared options for improving mobility, and facilitated a locally-preferred choice for new transit development. Concurrently, the Northwest Municipal Conference-directed RTAP Study developed transit supportive land use policies and identified potential local financing sources. Of the three transit options proposed by CTA, Metra and Pace, local officials representing communities in the Northwest Corridor selected Metra's commuter rail option- the STAR Line.
Current Activities
This project was completed in December 2004. 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 10.30.2018 |
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+ | Tinley Park Station Area Plans | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Tinley Park | $40,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project developed plans for two commuter rail station areas in the Village of Tinley Park, the Oak Park Avenue Station located in the downtown and the 80th Avenue station located southwest of the downtown. For the Oak Park Avenue Station, the project identified mixed-use redevelopment opportunities to revitalize the commercial core surrounding the station. The 80th Avenue Station scope of work focused on civic uses, expanded parking, and improved access to the station. The study was completed in September 1998. Current Activities
A new station was rebuilt between 2002-2005 at the Oak Park Avenue stop on the Rock Island Line that includes a café and a clock tower with 360° views of the station area. Additionally, a new station at the 80th Avenue stop opened in the Spring of 2012. The Village of Tinley Park recently announced it is partnering with a developer that has acquired the final parcel of property needed to move forward with construction of Harmony Square, a new multi-use plaza that will be located at the corner of Oak Park Avenue and North Street in Downtown Tinley. The Village also secured funding for a new traffic light at 80th Avenue and Timber Drive to help control traffic in the Metra station area. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 07.16.2024 |