North Central Metra Service Line Feasibility Study

The City of Des Plaines partnered with AECOM and The Lakota Group to prepare a feasibility study of a potential new North Central Service Line (NCS) Metra station in the area around Lee Street/Mannheim Road and Oakton Street in Des Plaines. The planning team has now finalized the Des Plaines Oakton Street Metra Station Feasibility Study.

The team evaluated station spacing to identify a preferred station location, analyzed the existing condition of the area, performed a market assessment, and summarized community feedback received throughout the planning process. Travel demands, operational impacts, and site impacts were also assessed. All of the findings from the study are outlined in the Final Report and summarized in the Executive Summary (available for download in the documents section of the project website).

Key Findings

  • With an estimated 498 boardings per day by 2050, the station would exceed the median weekday boardings threshold of 422 riders, and result in a net increase of 326 daily boardings for all nearby station.
  • A new Oakton Metra NCS Station would have minor impacts on current traffic levels and Metra operations.
  • The proposed station area is poised for new development. Transit-oriented development near the station could be compact and walkable, reducing the dependence on driving and providing a major boost to the local business district.
  • A new station could help to alleviate parking capacity issues at nearby stations and provide an important route alternative to the UP-NW line.
  • The location of the proposed station offers significant opportunities for multi-modal connectivity — including the planned Pace Dempster Pulse route.

Learn more about these findings and more in the Executive Summary.

The Official Kick-Off

Map of Oakton Corridor(JPG, 576KB)

The project was formally announced at City Council meetings on January 7th and 21st, 2019. The announcements included information about the Des Plaines Oakton Street Metra Station project in the form of a project info packet. The packet outlined the goals of the project, ways to stay involved through the project website and social media, and the project schedule.

Potential Benefits

While both the Union Pacific Northwest (UPNW) and NCS lines run through Des Plaines, only the UPNW has stations at Cumberland and Downtown Des Plaines. The City believes that a commuter rail station in this area would:

  • Serve as a catalyst for transit-oriented development and redevelopment of vacant parcels in the area.
  • Add a much needed public transportation option in this area where only 2.5% of workers use public transportation and 75% of workers get to work in single-occupant vehicles.
  • Provide multi-modal connectivity between the new Pace PULSE Dempster Line.
  • Offer an alternative way to access O’Hare Airport

Through the duration of the project, various channels were used to solicit input from area residents and local business owners and employees.

A community open house was hosted on Wednesday, February 6 from 5-7pm at the Des Plaines Public Library. The open house included a series of exhibits with information about the feasibility study, initial findings, and opportunities for feedback. We heard from area residents and community leaders who shared both their excitement and concerns surrounding the potential for a Metra Station at this location.

In addition to a professionally coordinated marketing assessment, a community ridership survey was designed to gather input from potential users of the proposed Oakton Street Metra station. Questions for the survey were strategically written by The Lakota Group and AECOM to provide insight into the transportation choices made by potential station riders.

Back to top