ON TO 2050 is a long-range, comprehensive plan for northeastern Illinois. Since the plan’s approval in 2018, the world has changed considerably. But there are processes built into the plan to ensure it can change with the times. Every four years, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is required to update parts of the long-range, 30-year plan. Most recently, this happened in 2022; the next long-range plan will be drafted in 2026. Additionally, when a regionally significant project identified in ON TO 2050 undergoes a significant change in funding or development status, it may require amendment to the plan. Read below to learn more about the updated materials and proposed amendments to ON TO 2050. 2022 plan update The ON TO 2050 plan update followed more than a year of data collection, analysis, and engagement with partners, stakeholders, and residents. The ON TO 2050 update process reaffirmed the plan’s vision, updated data projects, reviewed accomplishments, and reassessed transportation needs. The update addressed: How the experience of the last four years reaffirms ON TO 2050’s principles of resilience, inclusive growth, and prioritized investment Important changes in our forecasted population, transportation investments, and funding resources Where we go from here, and how we can put the recommendations and strategies into action The progress made, reiterating key goals for prosperity, environment, community, governance, and mobility The determination of regionally significant projects, identifying capital investments in our region’s expressways, transit system, and arterials The CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee approved the plan update on October 12, 2022. Watch the October Board and MPO Policy Committee meeting to learn more about the ON TO 2050 plan update and its adoption. ON TO 2050 plan updated materials ON TO 2050 update summary Appendix: Air quality conformity analysis Appendix: Financial plan for transportation Appendix: Indicators Appendix: Public comment summary Appendix: Regionally significant projects benefits report Appendix: Socioeconomic forecast Appendix: System performance report Appendix: Travel demand model documentation Proposed amendments to ON TO 2050 Occasionally, ON TO 2050’s regionally significant projects undergo a significant change in funding or development status. This warrants a new evaluation and potential amendment to ON TO 2050 to address the change. Amendments undergo the same analysis and public discussion as projects identified in the plan development process. Selected projects should substantially implement ON TO 2050 by addressing current needs, improving travel over the long term, and positively impacting plan priorities, such as investing in existing communities, enhancing environmental quality, and improving quality of life. An amendment must also meet fiscal constraint requirements. During an amendment process, CMAP conducts both a qualitative evaluation of the proposal’s consistency with ON TO 2050 and a quantitative evaluation comparing forecasting assumptions and project performance to ON TO 2050 priorities. Project sponsors also provide their own assessment, supporting information, and analysis. Previously considered amendments 1-55 Airport/Lockport and at IL 126 In early 2020, the Illinois Department of Transportation requested an amendment for the I-55 at Airport/Lockport and at IL 126 project. The purpose of this project is to provide improved access to I-55 by reconstructing and reconfiguring the interchange at IL 126 from a partial interchange to a full interchange, as well as constructing a new interchange at Airport Rd-Lockport St. The public comment period for the proposed amendment ran from April 10 to May 11, 2020. CMAP staff produced an analysis for public comment, a summary of public comment, and a recommendation memo. On June 10 and 11, 2020, the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee, respectively, voted to amend ON TO 2050 to include the project. Improvements to 1-55 from 1-80 to US 52 and US 52 from River Road to Houbolt Road In early 2020, the Illinois Department of Transportation requested an amendment for the Improvements to I-55 from I-80 to US 52 and US 52 from River Road to Houbolt Road project. The purpose of this project is to improve regional mobility and provide better local interstate access. The I-55 from I-80 to US 52 improvements involve converting a partial interchange to a full access diverging diamond interchange at I-55 and IL 59. Additional improvements would include a new structure over I-55 with auxiliary lanes from IL 59 to US 52. The US 52 from River Road to Houbolt Road improvements would include reconstruction, bridge widening and repair, pavement widening, and additional turning lanes. The public comment period for the proposed amendment ran from April 10 to May 11, 2020. CMAP staff produced an analysis for public comment, a summary of public comment, and a recommendation memo. On June 10 and 11, 2020, the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee, respectively, voted to amend ON TO 2050 to include the project. O’Hare Express System On November 20, 2018, of Chicago Department of Transportation requested an amendment for the O’Hare Express System. The purpose of this project is to provide transit-like service via new, twin, 17.5-mile tunnels between Block 37 in downtown Chicago and a new station at O’Hare airport. Sixteen-passenger electric vehicles would travel at 120-150 miles per hour, with a travel time of approximately 12 minutes each way. The fare would be between $20 and $30 each way. The public comment period for the proposed amendment ran from January 25 to February 25, 2019. CMAP staff produced an analysis for public comment, a summary of public comment, and a recommendation memo. On March 13 and 14, 2019, the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee, respectively, voted to amend ON TO 2050 to include the project. This project was removed in the 2022 ON TO 2050 plan update. Roadway Improvements to Support the Update to the South Lakefront Framework Plan On November 30, 2018, the Chicago Department of Transportation requested an amendment for the Roadway Improvements to Support the Update to the South Lakefront Framework Plan (more commonly known as the Jackson Park Transportation and Mobility Improvement Project). The project involves closing some roadway segments and improving others, including adding an additional southbound travel lane on South Lakeshore Drive from 57th Drive to Hayes Drive. The project also includes new and improved bike and pedestrian trails, five new pedestrian underpasses, pedestrian crossing and safety improvements, and various elements to improve transit priority and speed bus travel, particularly along Stony Island Avenue. The public comment period for the proposed amendment ran from January 25 to February 25, 2019. CMAP staff produced an analysis for public comment, a summary of public comment, and a recommendation memo. On March 13 and 14, 2019, the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee, respectively, voted to amend ON TO 2050 to include the project. Table of Contents ON TO 2050 Overview The Next Plans Principles Our Region Today Goals ON TO 2050 Resources Implementing ON TO 2050 Updating ON TO 2050 ON TO 2050 plan Download the executive summaryOpen Download the executive summary in a new tab Download the full planOpen Download the full plan in a new tab CMAP Update Newsletter sign-up Opens in a modal