IN THE NEWS:

Montgomery officials back downtown vision
New plan recommends sites for Metra Park-n-Ride, commuter station
by John Etheredge - July 30th, 2009

COMMENT POST:

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

What is a Transit Oriented Development Plan - Click here to Learn More

Located along the Fox River, the Village of Montgomery is experiencing population growth and increased development as a result of its location within the nation’s fastest growing county.

"According to the U.S. Census, the population of Kendall County grew by over 77% from 2000 to 2007."

Though Montgomery spans into both Kane and Kendall Counties, it is quite clear that the Village has felt the impact of the rapid growth of the latter in recent years. In fact, Montgomery’s current population of 14,407 residents is anticipated to grow to 25,000 residents by 2015. As the population grows and development opportunities increase, the local and regional road networks also feel an impact, often coming in the form of increased congestion of roadways. As a result, alternative transportation systems need to be considered in order to alleviate burdens on the road network and enhance travel options for communities.

Metra and Pace have conducted past studies to explore the feasibility of extending commuter rail and/or bus service to Montgomery. These alternative transportation initiatives will affect the Village if they lead to implementation of new commuter rail and/or bus service. In anticipation of these potential transit opportunities, Montgomery is assessing the potential for a new transit facility site that would initially serve as a Park-and-Ride commuter lot with bus service to the Metra Station at the Aurora Transportation Center along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad Line. Then, the Park-and-Ride facility could ultimately serve the future potential Montgomery Metra Station upon the potential extension of commuter rail service to Montgomery and into Kendall County.

"The new transit opportunities would provide alternative modes of transportation to Montgomery residents and employees as well as create new transit connections for the southwest suburbs."

In addition, the creation of a Park-and-Ride facility and potentially a Montgomery Metra Station would act as a catalyst for economic development in the Village, creating opportunities for development/redevelopment. With the broad impacts the transit opportunities would have on the Village, careful planning and context-sensitive design will ensure that the facilities are well integrated into Montgomery’s built environment and overall transportation system.