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RTA to Fund Village Transportation Plan |
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Plan will help reduce traffic congestion and increase access to transit in Orland Park
Chicago -- The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) announced today the launch of a local planning project for the Village of Orland Park to develop the LaGrange Road Transportation Corridor Plan. The plan will recommend ways to reduce traffic congestion, address public transportation and recommend land uses that support transit-oriented development. The plan will also explore leveraging public investment to strengthen the Village’s economy. A $99,855 grant to help fund the study was awarded as part of the RTA’s Community Planning program, a grant program that focuses on planning assistance for local communities.
“Helping our communities plan for the future and bring all of the transportation pieces together earlier to develop sound plans allows them to make good choices and be effective in future decision making. This, in turn, allows them to plan ahead to accommodate transit and make best use of financial resources,” commented Leanne Redden, Senior Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Regional Programs. “Our goal is to provide alternatives to using their car, and make transit a more viable option. With more people using their cars less and opting to take transit, we need to make sure we’re planning now to optimize transit and how it connects with the community.”
The transportation plan will prepare recommendations for the LaGrange Road Corridor that extends from 131st Street to Interstate 80.
“Having this transportation plan in place will give our village direction on how to make the best possible investment in our infrastructure for the future,” commented Mayor Daniel J. McLaughlin, Village of Orland Park. He added, “We are grateful for the RTA’s help in developing such an important blueprint as our community grows.”
The LaGrange Road Transportation Plan will identify, plan and prepare design guidelines for different modes of transportation including transit and trolley service, pedestrian connections and bikeways. Design elements of the plan will be prepared using Institute of Transportation Engineers recommended practices for major thoroughfares.
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.
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