Transportation & Infrastructure
Overview
Global Access at the Heart of the U.S.
Home to five international airports, seven Class I railroads, the third largest interstate highway system in the country and the third largest intermodal port in the world, Illinois offers unparalleled access to global markets.
The state’s central location puts businesses, people and goods within a four-hour flight of the entire North American market—not to mention non-stop service to more than 50 international destinations.
In addition, the state offers businesses top-notch digital infrastructure, reliable, low-cost energy and abundant water and natural resources.
Dynamic Road and Rail Network
Illinois’ highly efficient network of road and rail includes seven Class I freight railroads, the largest intermodal system in the U.S.—the third largest in the world—and the third largest interstate highway system in the nation, complete with 2,158 miles of road.
Chicago is one of the largest rail corridors in North America, with approximately twenty-five percent of all U.S. freight traffic passing through it.
A Global Air Transport Hub
Ranked #1 in the U.S. for non-stop overseas flights, Illinois is a global hub for air transport. The state is home to 12 major airports, including Chicago O’Hare, which is among the world’s busiest airports, served by all significant international carriers.
Home to operations of United, Southwest and American airlines, Illinois boasts the only “Triple Hub” in North America, providing passengers with more than 1,400 daily departures and non-stop services to more than 200 destinations.
Ports Built for Trade
Offering access to two major water ports—the Port of Chicago and the Port of East St. Louis—Illinois’ connectivity doesn’t stop with rail and air.
Illinois also boasts the largest inland container port in North America—CenterPoint Intermodal Center, located in Joliet, IL—and 13 port districts and waterways, which provide access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s no wonder Illinois ranks as the fifth largest exporting state in the U.S. and the top exporter in the Midwest.
Low-Cost Energy, High-Quality Digital
Illinois offers low energy rates and deregulation, abundant water and natural resources and robust digital infrastructure that keep your business running at a steady clip without compromising your bottom line.
The average cost of electricity in Illinois is significantly lower than many competitor states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware and neighboring Wisconsin, and the state boasts among the best energy reliability in the Midwest.
The state is also committed to increasing its share of renewable energy and investing in smart grid and fiber optic technology to bring 21st century energy and digital solutions to its businesses and residents. A major digital hub, Chicago has among the highest fiber optic capacity of any metro area in the country and three of the world’s largest data centers are in Chicago or its suburbs.
Relevant News
Intersect Illinois Appoints Robin Elliott to Board of Directors
Elliott to represent Busey Bank in efforts to bring economic growth and jobs to Illinois Intersect Illinois today announced that Busey Bank President & CEO Robin Elliott has joined its board of directors. Elliott will bring his experience in working in financial services throughout Illinois’ communities to help generate economic growth and jobs for the […]
Intersect Illinois 2022 Annual Report Shows $402M in Investment
New Push Leads to 137% Growth in Investment and 112% Increase in Jobs South of I80 Intersect Illinois, the state’s not-for-profit economic development organization focused on bringing jobs and investment to Illinois, today released its annual report for the 2022 fiscal year. The report highlights businesses that Intersect Illinois helped relocate or expand during the […]
Polly Eldringhoff Appointed to Intersect Illinois Board of Directors
Eldringhoff to represent Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas in efforts to bring economic growth and jobs to Illinois Intersect Illinois today announced that Polly Eldringhoff, vice president of operational performance and compliance for Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, has joined its board of directors. Eldringhoff’s experience in planning and community engagement will help […]
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Inc. Announces New $68 Million Distribution Center in Princeton
New center will create more than 145 jobs; facility will be completed in 2024 PRINCETON — Governor JB Pritzker, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Inc. (Ollie’s), and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced that Ollie’s will build a new distribution center in Princeton, which will meet growing demand and support the company’s […]
Illinois Hosts 52nd Annual Midwest US Japan Conference in Chicago
The State of Illinois is honored to host the 52nd Annual Midwest US Japan (MWJA) Conference, which is jointly held by the Midwest U.S.-Japan and Japan-Midwest U.S. Associations in Chicago. The MWJA Conference brings together Governors from Midwestern states as well as Japan, leading international companies, and executives. The conference serves as a unique venue […]