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
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 […]
Governor Pritzker, LG Chem, and ADM Announce New Joint Ventures to be Located in Decatur
Pending regulatory approval, the joint ventures will manufacture ingredients for a variety of plant-based products, including eco-friendly bioplastics; project expected to create more than 125 new jobs (Decatur, IL) — Governor Pritzker along with leading global diversified chemical company LG Chem, and ADM, a global leader in nutrition and BioSolutions, today announced that pending regulatory […]
Gov. Pritzker and Tyson Foods, Inc. Break Ground on Caseyville Expansion
Tyson to invest $180 million and create 250 new jobs at expanded Caseyville facility (Caseyville, IL) Governor JB Pritzker joined Tyson Foods, Inc., as well as state and local officials, to announce a new expansion of Tyson’s Caseyville facility, which will expand the production of Hillshire Farm® and Jimmy Dean® products. The company’s commitment to […]
GAF Commercial Roofing to Locate Plant in North Peru
North America’s largest roofing manufacturer to build 450,000 Sq. Ft. plant, employ more than 70 workers. (Peru, IL) GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has announced an $80 Million, 450,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Peru just north of I-80 and west of Plank Road on the OmniTRAX […]
State agency helps tout Southwestern Illinois
By Dennis Grubaugh A state economic development association that has spent months studying Southwestern Illinois concludes the area is ripe for growth. Intersect Illinois is focused on bringing new businesses, jobs and investment to the state by collaborating with industry, academic, civic, and government partners to deliver a unified approach. Representatives focused intently this past […]