Joliet’s strategic location in ever-growing Will County, approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, places it within easy access of the region’s centers of employment, recreational hubs and popular cultural and entertainment attractions. With its ideal position within the “Crossroads of Mid-America,” Joliet has become the perfect place for commuters, as well as business ventures.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
By car: The city is served by an organized web of local roadways, including U.S. Routes 6, 7, and 52, State Highways 53 and 171 and is afforded quick access to Interstates 55 and 80. Interstate 55 is a major north-south highway vital to transportation of goods and commuters. Interstate 80, a vital east-west highway, meets Interstate 57 at Tinley Park and now offers a link to Interstate 355 at New Lenox – thanks to the opening of the Interstate 355 extension project, which was designed to not only reduce travel times, but also to efficiently link the quickly expanding county and its communities with additional major Chicagoland areas.
By bus: The Regional Transit Authority operates public bus service through Pace, which offers several fixed routes within Joliet. Pace also provides ADA Paratransit Service and Dial-A-Ride Service for those located in the Joliet community. For more information on fares and schedules, visit the Pace website at www.pacebus.com.
By rail: Centrally located in the city center, the new Joliet Gateway Center offers both commuter and long-distance rail service. Two Metra commuter rail routes – Metra Heritage Corridor Line and Metra Rock Island District Line – service the station, providing quick transit to Chicago and a number of additional Chicagoland suburbs. For the long-distance traveler, a host of Amtrak rail lines run through Joliet Union Station, providing transportation to a number of Midwest cities, plus service to San Antonio, Texas (via the Texas Eagle Line). For more information on fares and schedules, visit the Metra website at www. metrarail.com and the Amtrak website at www. amtrak.com. What’s more, the Joliet region provides freight service through a handful of lines, including CSX, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, EJ&E, BNSF, Union Pacific and Canadian National.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
Joliet is home to the Joliet Regional Airport, utilized for air charter service and a variety of pilot instruction programs for youth and adult. The airport is operated by the Joliet Park District and offers an array of modern amenities normally found through an airport of its size. The Lewis University Airport, located in nearby Romeoville, also offers instructional programs, as well as corporate charter opportunities through its facilities. Further air transportation, both domestic and international, can be found through both O’Hare and Midway airports. Each airport is situated within one hour of Joliet.