Since its inception, MetroLINK has participated in shaping the Quad Cities metropolitan area by forging partnerships with municipalities, other governmental agencies and private businesses to initiate projects, events and programs that benefit our residents and their visitors. Centre Station, an intermodal passenger terminal and parking structure in downtown Moline, developed through a public-private partnership, is an example of such a project.

The success of the Centre Station, and the importance of maintaining viable communities and urban centers in its service area, has prompted MetroLINK to examine other measures that would stimulate redevelopment. In 1998 and 1999, MetroLINK and the Quad City Development Group hosted meetings of corporate leaders from the metropolitan area to discuss issues affecting orderly growth. These discussions focused on traffic congestion, infrastructure needs such as bridges, economic development and the quality of life in the region, and they led to The Quad Cities Balanced Growth Project.

The project has a single goal – to foster regional commitment to development patterns and densities that will promote urban and economic growth in the 21st century. MetroLINK believes that a public rapid transit system, together with transit-oriented development policies, could have a major impact on accomplishing this goal.

To examine the potential impacts of linking land use policies to an investment in a rapid transit system, and to promote economic development, MetroLINK has initiated the Quad Cities Balanced Growth Project. The study examines the highway and rail corridor along Illinois Routes 84 and 92 from Interstate 80 west to downtown Rock Island. The four major steps in the study are to:

• Examine and document existing conditions along the corridor
• Identify opportunities for improvement
• Develop options for land use and public transportation improvements, and
• Foster consensus on a course of action that will guide future development

Periodically, project reports will be posted on this site as information to interested members of our community.

Available Reports:

BGI Summary Report

Rail Corridor Assessment Report

Technology Assessment Report

Existing Conditions Report (Abridged)


Existing Conditions Report (Abridged) Maps

Operating and Maintenance Cost Report

Economic Impact Report