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RTA Funds Transit Station Site Study |
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Two station sites to be evaluated for future transit extension
Chicago -- The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) announced today the launch of a study to assess two sites for a potential future transit station on the possible extension of transit service from Big Timber Road in Elgin to Marengo (which would include a potential stop in Huntley). The Village of Huntley will lead the project with a $105,512 grant awarded to it as part of the RTA’s Community Planning program, a grant program that focuses on planning assistance for local communities.
“Our Community Planning program is really looking to the future and looking at what needs to be done today to Provide Transportation Options, one of the goals set out in our Moving Beyond Congestion strategic plan,” commented Leanne Redden, Senior Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Regional Programs. “As more and more communities in our region ask for more transit, we are working to help them plan for its arrival – even before construction ever begins.”
The study will also select a preferred station site and formulate a Circulation and Access Plan, and Transit-Oriented Development Guidelines for the preferred site. That plan will include land preservation for the potential transit station and facilities, new roads to serve the site, bicycle and pedestrian access – including the extension of the McHenry County Conservation District/Marengo, Union, Huntley (H.U.M.) Bicycle Trail. Detailed guidelines for transit-supportive development and streetscaping will also be developed in the plan. Both potential sites are undeveloped and would also allow for residential and commercial developments to surround either potential station area.
“Expanding service on Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line from Elgin to Marengo has been part of our FAST plan since 1989,” commented Metra Executive Director Philip A. Pagano. “Having station area plans in place will assist Metra’s staff and Board of Directors with selecting future commuter rail improvement/expansion projects.”
“Our village and this region continue to grow. We are proud to partner with the RTA in developing a plan that looks at improvements and investments to be made that are critical to the long-term growth of our village,” commented Mayor Charles Sass, Village of Huntley. He added, “Adding more transit to our community will give people more travel options while helping our environment by taking more cars off the roads.”
The Kreutzer Road site is one of the locations under consideration and is located along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks east of Route 47. The Coyne Station Road site is the other site and is located along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks northwest of Algonquin Road and west of Route 47.
The RTA continues to work with Illinois lawmakers to develop and pass a comprehensive capital plan for the region that would enhance and expand the transit system. Currently, no capital programs are in place and many transit projects around the regions are threatened if a capital bill isn’t passed.
About the RTA’s Community Planning Program
The Community Planning program provides funding and planning assistance to communities for planning projects that benefit both the local communities and the RTA transit system. Launched in 1999 under the name Regional Technical Assistance Program (RTAP), the program was renamed and launched as the Community Planning program in June 2008 to better reflect the program’s focus on planning assistance for local communities.
Community Planning offers units of local government such as municipalities, townships, and local planning agencies an opportunity to participate in the planning of local transit and transit related opportunities. The program funds projects that increase transit usage and multi-modal connectivity, improve access and circulation in and around transit facilities, promote pedestrian and transit friendly environments, develop local transit options, and create coordinated paratransit plans.
Through this program, the RTA seeks projects that are consistent with the four primary goals of its strategic plan, provide transportation options, ensure financial viability, enhance livability and economic vitality and demonstrate value. For more information, visit the program website at www.rtachicago.com/cp.
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