MTD Publishes Environmental Assessment for Proposed Illinois Terminal Expansion Project

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) is progressing its proposed Illinois Terminal Expansion Project, a transformational project that will reduce bus congestion, improve reliability, create a safer pedestrian environment, and enhance regional connectivity.

Today, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and MTD published an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Project as part of the federal environmental review process. The EA analyzes MTD’s proposal to construct additional bus platforms and a connected mixed-use facility,  which will provide additional leasable tenant and retail space, apartments, and a parking deck. The existing Illinois Terminal building will also be renovated to expand waiting areas and passenger amenities and create green space.

MTD received a $17.275 million federal grant in November 2019 from the FTA’s Bus and Bus Facilities Grant program to complete the improvements to the Illinois Terminal. The project is being constructed as a Joint Development initiative with Core Champaign Hockey, LLC, who will contribute funding for the residential spaces in the mixed-use expansion and parking deck. All work to be completed as part of the Illinois Expansion Project is located north of Logan Street. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022.  

“In the midst of the many challenges our community is facing, we are grateful that the federal funding for the Illinois Terminal Expansion is secure and that plans for this public-private partnership have continued to progress. The project partners are excited to begin the public outreach stage and move this transformative project forward” said Karl Gnadt, MTD’s CEO and Managing Director.

The public is invited to visit an online presentation, review the EA, and submit comments on the Project.  The EA and online presentation are available for review at www.ITETheYards.com through July 1, 2021. Hard copies of the EA and presentation are also available at the following locations: Illinois Terminal Customer Service Desk, 45 East University Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820; and Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820.

Comments may be submitted by:

  • Email:   Info@ITETheYards.com
  • Online: ITETheYards.com
  • Mail:  Champaign-Urbana MTD, Attn: Jane Sullivan, 1101 E. University Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61802
  • Phone: 217-384-8188

For more information follow Illinois Terminal at facebook.com/ITattheYards, twitter.com/ITatTheYards, or visit ITETheYards.com.