FIRST STOP FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECTS...
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
Before Metra can implement any new service or expand existing service, projects must undergo several feasibility and environmental studies to ensure all federal and state guidelines are met. Metra must comply with the federal New Start process which requires documentation and rigorous studies to justify that these commuter rail alternatives best address the transportation needs and issues within the corridors. This process is called Alternatives Analysis.
Although several of the communities along the proposed project corridors are undertaking, or have already completed, some studies of their own, Metra is mandated by law to take the proposed projects through an entire roster of studies. Continuous public involvement and any information previously generated by the communities is an important part of the overall analysis, and Metra plans to build upon the data generated from these studies.
The steps to securing federal New Start funding are:
- Alternatives Analysis
- Environmental Assessment/Preliminary Engineering
- Final Engineering and Design/Land Acquisition
- Full Funding Grant Agreement
- Begin Construction
- Begin New Service
What is Alternatives Analysis?
Alternatives Analysis is the bridge between systems planning - the idea - and Preliminary Engineering (PE) - how to build it. It's where local, regional and federal governments work together to identify the transportation issues within a corridor, define the purpose and need for transportation improvements, and develop and evaluate potential transportation alternatives to meet that need.
Metra will build upon the findings of community studies already completed to further expand the Alternatives Analysis and aid in the selection of a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) that best meets the federal requirements and serves the transportation needs of the corridor in the most economically feasible and environmentally sensitive manner. The Alternatives Analysis defining the LPA is then submitted to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for its evaluation.
Metra will work with the FTA, local officials and the business community to meet all analysis and planning requirements.
