Close Proximity to Rail and Expressways

Chicago Heights has been a long-time destination for industrial and manufacturing companies due to its proximity to the City of Chicago and its access to excellent transportation routes including rail and expressways.  In addition to its proximity, the City is also at an advantage by being located just far enough away that it is outside of the City of Chicago’s “congestion zone,” allowing a more efficient movement of goods and people, when compared with several other regions in Metropolitan Chicago.

Chicago Heights has direct access to two (2) Class I railroads within it’s municipal boundaries.  In addition, local short line railroads are able to switch the remaining Class I railroads efficiently and oftentimes bypass the congestion in the city of Chicago proper.  Railroad connectivity to the Union Pacific Railroad and the Canadian National Railway are important to many of the local industrial businesses.

Chicago Heights offers excellent connectivity to the major surface highway system including Highway 394, Interstate 80, Interstate 294, Interstate 55, Interstate 94, Interstate 57 and Interstate 355.  Based on this strategic location, commuters out of Chicago Heights can reach a far greater percentage of the US population than neighboring Joliet or the City of Chicago, as illustrated below: