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Latest News (Updated May 3, 2012)
City Council Approves Modifications to Enhance Transit Access at the Naperville Metra Station
On April 17, 2012, the Naperville City Council accepted the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study Technical Memorandum (PDF) and directed staff to incorporate the following improvements into the FY14-18 Capital Improvement Program (CIP):
- Modifications to the Eastern Burlington Lot on the north side of the train tracks;
- Modifications to the south side of the train tracks; and
- Conversion of North Avenue (currently one-way westbound) to two-way traffic between Washington Street and Ellsworth Street.
These improvements will enhance transit access to the train station; reduce conflicts between travel modes (e.g., buses, vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians); and minimize bus travel and queues on residential streets.
The City Council identified the Parkview Lot as a potential location for a bus depot, subject to further review prior to implementation. Potential implementation of a bus depot on the Parkview Lot will be evaluated in the future should circumstances such as transit demand, redevelopment opportunities or congestion issues warrant construction of a bus depot.
Click here for video of the City Council meeting and to obtain a copy of the City Council agenda item (see item L2).
Next Steps:
Based on City Council direction received on April 17, 2012, staff will incorporate the following improvements into the FY14-18 Capital Improvement Program.
- Modifications to the Eastern Burlington Lot on the north side of the train tracks;
- Modifications to the south side of the train tracks; and
- Conversion of North Avenue (currently one-way westbound) to two-way traffic between Washington Street and Ellsworth Street.
Prior to construction of a bus depot at the Naperville Metra Station, the City will complete the following:
- Initiate and complete detailed engineering plans in coordination with Pace Suburban Bus;
- Evaluate funding opportunities for construction; and
- Develop an implementation plan, which will include further evaluation of the parking mitigation options and a construction phasing plan.
Click here for more information on the Capital Improvement Program. Updates on implementation of these improvements will be posted to this webpage as they become available. Questions may be directed to Project Manager Rory Fancler at (630) 305-3430 or via email at fanclerr@naperville.il.us.
Transportation Advisory Board Provides a Recommendation on the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study
On March 3, the Transportation Advisory Board considered the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study recommendations. During the meeting, City staff presented an overview of the staff recommendations. Click here to view the presentation from the March 3 meeting. (8.4 MB PDF)
Following the staff presentation, four people provided testimony. Click here for video of the meeting and a copy of the Transportation Advisory Board agenda item. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Transportation Advisory Board provided the following recommendation:
- Recommend approval of a bus depot on the Parkview Lot (Not Approved, 2-6).
- Recommend approval of conversion of North Avenue (currently one-way westbound only) to a two-way street between Washington Street and Ellsworth Street (Approved, 5-3)
- Recommend approval of modifications to the Eastern Burlington Lot (Approved, 8-0).
- Recommend approval of the short-term recommendation for the south side of the train tracks, excluding conversion of North Avenue to two-way traffic between Washington Street and Ellsworth Street (Approved, 8-0).
Naperville Transportation Advisory Board Considers Initial Recommendations of Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study
On January 7, the Naperville Transportation Advisory Board considered the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study recommendations. During the meeting, City staff presented an overview of the Feasibility Study, including the purpose, scope, project approach, and staff recommendation. A copy of the staff presentation is available below:
Click here to view video from the January 7, 2012 Transportation Advisory Board, available through the City's Streaming Media Archives.At the conclusion of the January 7 Transportation Advisory Board meeting, the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study was continued to the March 3, 2012 meeting.
Summary of November 14 Public Open House
On November 14, 2011, the City of Naperville hosted a public open house for the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study. During the open house, bus depot alternatives were available for review and comment at a series of exhibits. Exhibits on display included preliminary site plans demonstrating the configuration, access points and capacity of the bus depot alternatives. Information regarding the purpose and scope of the study, anticipated project schedule and public input opportunities was also available for public review and comment. The exhibits displayed during the open house are provided below:
Questions and comments were accepted during the open house and the subsequent public comment period which closed December 2.
Summary of Initial Public Open House for Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Action Feasibility Study
On September 12, 2011, the City of Naperville hosted a public open house for the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study. During the open house, information about the purpose, scope and anticipated project schedule was available for review at a series of exhibits organized by topic. Information regarding potential opportunities and challenges associated with a bus depot in the vicinity of the Naperville Metra Station was also available for public review and comment. Representatives from the City were available to respond to questions and provide clarification. The exhibits displayed during the open house are provided below.
Questions and comments were accepted during the open house and the subsequent public comment period, which closed September 20. A written summary of questions received during the meeting and subsequent public comment period, with responses prepared by City staff is provided below.
Background Information
As part of the 5th Avenue Study, the City identified improvements near the Naperville Metra Station to enhance vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle visibility and accessibility, and improve the interconnectivity of the various travel modes. Based on an evaluation of commuter parking, transit, existing and future traffic conditions and public input, a bus depot was identified as an opportunity to enhance commuter access and meet the following objectives:
- Provide a defined transit center for commuters;
- Improve transit access to/from the train station;
- Consolidate passenger pick-up/drop-off activity;
- Reduce congestion and minimize conflicts between Pace bus operations, pedestrians, bicycles, and kiss-and-ride activity; and
- Minimize bus staging/queuing on adjacent neighborhood streets.
An engineering feasibility study to evaluate the potential for a bus depot in the vicinity of the Naperville Metra Station was subsequently included in the 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Program, approved by the City Council on March 15, 2010. In December 2010, the City was awarded a grant from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Community Planning Program (see Project Funding.)
Construction of a bus depot is not included in the current scope of work.
Project Funding
The Naperville Metra Station Commuter Parking and Bus Depot Feasibility Study was funded by the City of Naperville (2011-2015 Capital Improvement Program) and the RTA through the Community Planning Program. The RTA Community Planning Program provided funding for 80% of the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study cost, with a 20% local match required. Visit the RTA website for more information on the RTA Community Planning Program.
Planning Process
In order to evaluate the feasibility of a bus depot in the vicinity of the Naperville Metra Station, the City solicited input from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Pace and Metra/BNSF, as well as residents, commuters, property and business owners, and other stakeholders. As part of the planning process, the City held stakeholder meetings with the RTA, Pace and Metra/BNSF to discuss goals, priorities and constraints associated with a bus depot near the Naperville Metra Station. The stakeholder meeting with Pace also provided an opportunity to discuss Pace's Development Guidelines, which identifies design and operating standards for transit facilities used by Pace buses.
In addition, the City hosted two public open houses to solicit public input. Public input received throughout the 5th Avenue Study was also used for the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study. A summary of the input received during the public open houses is provided in the Appendix to the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study Technical Memorandum. (PDF)
Information regarding implementation next steps will be posted to this webpage as it becomes available, and will be sent via email to those signed up to receive the e-newsletter for the 5th Avenue Study. To sign-up to receive the e-newsletter, visit the e-news page of the City’s website.
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