Project Overview

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

The team will evaluate local conditions, including zoning and infrastructure, existing transportation systems, destinations, ridership origins, and potential new riders to determine the feasibility of the station. The study will also examine the benefits and costs associated with an infill station in this area.

This Des Plaines Oakton Metra Station website will serve as an information hub as well as a platform for public input – it will be routinely updated as the planning process continues with the latest documents and additional ways to share your voice.

Thanks to all who came to the Open House!

The findings of the Feasibility Study will be presented at the Des Plaines City Council Meeting on September 16 at 7pm.

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. A community ridership survey was also created for the project team to understand the way area residents currently commute.

All of the input received at the open house, through the survey, as well as through messages from the study Facebook page and website, are summarized in the Community Input Report – part of the final Feasibility Study Report. Community input received throughout the process is also summarized in the Feasibility Study Executive Summary. These documents, as well as exhibits from the open house, are posted in the documents section.

Check the study website and study facebook page often for updates. In the meantime, any questions or concerns you have regarding the feasibility study can be submitted via the contact section at the bottom of the page.