TRANSPORTATION

One of the many advantages of living and conducting business in the Chicago Southland is the excellent transportation network providing easy access to the metropolitan region and convenient travel between communities.

Other advantages include the number of highways, freight rail service and the availability of water transportation.

Because of these factors, the area has been recognized as a major Midwest distribution and transportation hub, Its strategic location in the midst of cities to the east, west, and south make the Chicago Southland a perfect setting in which to establish manufacturing and parts distribution centers.

Eight Interstate highways bisect the area: I-55, I-57, I-80, I-90, I-94, I-294, I-355 and I-394. These highways pass through the Chicago Southland offering unsurpassed north/south and east/west movement.

Most communities have ready access to both freight and passenger rail service. Several boast a direct link to Calumet Harbor and Lake Michigan for reaching world markets via the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway. Two principal commuter railroad lines provide access to the Chicago Southland, both operating as divisions of Metra commuter rail services. Amtrak passenger service is also available.

Midway Airport and O'Hare International serve the area with passenger and freight service via major airlines. Residents, business leaders, legislators and political figures are publicly discussing the creation of a third Chicago area airport in the Chicago Southland. When built, the airport will serve 2.5 million people living within 45 minutes of the location. It will be a significant factor in area development.