Growth Dimensions

Northern Illinois Commuter Transportation Initiative

Northern Illinois Commuter Transportation Initiative
Alternatives Analysis Goals and Objectives
www.nicti.net

These goals and objectives serve as criteria to measure which alternatives are most effective, and provide the basis for eventually eliminating alternatives. The one alternative that is selected for best achieving these goals and objectives in a cost effective manner is called the Locally Preferred Alternative.

Goal 1: Enhance Mobility Through and Within the Corridor

  • Expand mobility opportunities for all users moving through and within the Elgin to Rockford Corridor
  • Provide access to jobs and job markets in the corridor
  • Provide for growth in travel demand
  • Reduce peak period traffic demands on I-90
  • Provide additional level of corridor/area security specifically relating to evacuation
Goal 2: Provide Efficient, High Quality Transit Improvements
  • Provide high quality modal alternatives
  • Attract new transit riders from private vehicles, particularly single-occupancy vehicles
Goal 3: Develop a Cost Effective Transportation Solution
  • Provide an efficient transit system that minimizes costs per new transit rider
  • Minimize construction, right-of-way and operating and maintenance costs
  • Leverage federal and state funding
Goal 4: Support Business, Transportation and Residential Investments
  • Support previous business investments in the Elgin to Rockford Corridor
  • Support previous public investment in transportation infrastructure   
  • Support public and private investment in residential communities
  • Support connections between major transportation systems and job centers
Goal 5: Support Effective Land Use and Development Patterns
  • Promote a reliable transit system that allows efficient, effective land use development patterns and facilitates the highest and best use of properties adjacent to transit facilities
  • Provide consistency with Long Range Transportation Plans and land use plans.
  • Encourage economic growth
  • Discourage unplanned growth
  • Enhance quality of life
Goal 6: Provide a Cleaner, Safer Environment
  • Support regional goals for: cleaner air and water, more efficient energy use and a safer and healthier environment
  • Increase the safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users

According to consultants reports Transystems and PB Americas,  the NICTI study is currently in the second phase of the study, identified in the timeline chart below. Part B began with the further refinement of the purpose and need for improvement. It also identified a wide range of possible alternatives, such as commuter rail, rapid bus transit, light rail, express bus, and highway expansion.  
Next, the possible alternatives went through the Screen One process. Each alternative was evaluated against how well they achieved the project’s goal and objectives and identified the level of effectiveness of those alternatives.

The most important measures indicated on the first level screening were Public Support, Order of Magnitude Capital Costs, Communities/Population Served, Service to Activity Centers Within Study Area and Consistency with Locally Adopted Future Land Use Plan/Comprehensive Plan.  
Alternatives which qualified in the first level screening for further study in the second level screening:

  • Bus Rapid Transit 1 (Priority operation on I-90 with transit priority to operate on shoulders if congested)
  • Bus Rapid Transit 2  (Guideway route on I-90 with construction of dedicated lane)
  • Commuter Rail 5 (UP line from Big Timber trough Belvidere to CN line in Rockford)
  • Commuter Rail 6  (IC&E Line and IL Railway through Davis Junction to Rockford Airport)

For More Information, please visit www.nicti.net