05/17/06
In an effort to provide more time for public input on the Chicago Transit Authority's proposed Circle Line project, the CTA has extended the public comment period to May 31. The public comment period was scheduled to end May 19, however, due to a high level of public interest and participation in the Circle Line public meetings held May 2, 3 and 4, CTA is providing more time for feedback from the general public.
Comments on the project should be submitted on a comment card in order to maintain a fully documented public record of comments. CTA is providing several methods to access comment cards:
On CTA's website at www.transitchicago.com. Click on Circle Line Alternatives Analysis Study to access a card;Via email at dakbar@transitchicago.com or ctahelp@transitchicago.com to request a card be mailed;In person at the 2nd floor reception or customer service of CTA headquarters at 567 West Lake Street;By calling 1-888-YOUR-CTA (1-888-968-7282) to have a card mailed to you.Comment cards should be filled out and mailed to:
Darud AkbarChicago Transit AuthorityGovernment and Community RelationsPO Box 7567Chicago IL 60680-7567For those unable to mail a comment card, comments can be left at 1-888-YOUR-CTA (1-888-968-7282). The presentation materials from the public meetings heldMay 2, 3 and 4 are available for viewing on-line at www.transitchicago.com.
Public comment is part of the Alternatives Analysis study?an important step in pursuing federal funding for major transit projects. The Alternatives Analysis study is designed to examine all the transit options available and determine a locally preferred alternative.
The proposed Circle Line would link all of CTA's rail lines and all of Metra's lines in a study area bounded by 39th Street on the south, Fullerton Parkway on the north, Western Avenue on the west and Lake Michigan on the east, creating improved transit connections throughout the six-county region and helping to further ease traffic congestion and improve travel times.
The Federal Transit Administration's New Starts program requires transit project proposals to proceed through a process of planning, design and construction. The FTA process consists of five formal steps: Alternatives Analysis, Environmental Impact Statement, Preliminary Engineering, Final Design and Construction.
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