Passenger Rail Connections

The Next Stop is ... KEWL!

Easy Connections for Terrific Opportunities

To increase the flexibility connecting to the Elwood Logistics Airport for employees and customers, we are planning connections with public transit options that will grow with us! Our multi-phase ground transportation plan will offer greater alternatives as ELA grows to be the vital aviation link to the region. Our vision plans to deliver fast, reliable, and modern transit connections to the airport through a smart, scalable three-phase development plan. Each phase builds on proven demand and growing regional mobility needs—ensuring strong returns, reduced congestion, and a world-class passenger experience.

Near-Term Concept: Shuttle Bus Connections

This phase delivers immediate impact. A dedicated, high-frequency shuttle service will connect travelers from the existing Metra network directly to the airport terminal. This solution provides a cost-effective, turnkey improvement to airport access—enhancing convenience for passengers, reducing road traffic, and laying the foundation for future rail expansion.

This concept offers shuttle service between the Manhattan Metra Station, Elwood Logistics Airport, downtown Elwood and the Joliet Metra Station. It would require acquisition shuttle vans service design along with agreements with the Metra's two service lines (Heritage Corridor and Southwest Service) and the Villages of Manhattan and Elwood and the City of Joliet.

Mid-Term Concept: Metra Extension to Elwood

As demand grows, Phase 2 brings rail service closer than ever by extending commuter rail to the adjacent town center. This upgrade creates a seamless multi-modal hub, stimulating local economic development, improving daily mobility, and shortening overall airport travel times. It positions the region for long-term transit sustainability while enhancing the airport’s catchment area.

This concept extends Metra's Heritage Corridor line beyond the Joliet station another 8.8 miles into Elwood and then provide shuttle service to the airport similar to Concept 1. This would use the same tracks as Amtrak currently uses, so no new right-of-way would be required. However, extending service would require cooperation from and integration with the Class I railroad operations (BNSF and Union Pacific) that use this section of track to access their respective railyards. Additionally, this concept would require the acquisition of land and the construction of a rail station.

The High Speed Rail Association has included this into their new concept plan for Metra regional rail extension service.

Far-Term Concept: High Speed Rail Network Connection

The final phase unlocks a transformative opportunity: a direct rail connection from the airport to the national high-speed rail network. This powerful integration elevates the airport into a premier regional gateway—offering ultra-fast intercity connections, reducing reliance on short-haul flights, and attracting new business, tourism, and investment.

This concept follows the Mid-Term Concept by connecting the airport connection to the proposed larger High Speed Rail service as outlined by the High Speed Rail Association here by developing a convenient rail link between the airport and the nearby Elwood Rail Station.

Details Coming Soon!

Airport Access Plan

Several regional roadways in the Elwood Logistic Airport area serve a variety of traffic in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, with a large predominance being commercial trucking serving the regional industry and logistics parks. Regional and arterial highways that pass through the area providing access to the Chicago regional highway network include: I-55 and IL-53. Additionally, the Strategic Regional Arterial (SRA) system is a network of approximately 1,500 miles of existing roads in northeastern Illinois. The system includes routes in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. Creation of the SRA system was developed by IDOT-Highways in cooperation with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Chicago Area Transportation Study/Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (now known as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning) and the Regional Transportation Authority as part of the 2010 Transportation System Development Plan adopted by regional planning agencies and continues as a component of the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan.

Adjacency to this network provides sufficient access between the airport traffic and the region with three primary improvements:

1) Hoff Road from the intersection at IL-53 to the South Cargo Terminal complex access road will be widened and improved to handle a significant level of increased truck traffic from the existing low level of present demand.

2) South Chicago Road from the intersection of Manhattan Road to the planned entrance of the North Cargo Terminal Complex will be similarly widened and improved. A study may be required to determine how the intersection may need to be upgraded.

3) The former intersection at IL-53 and West Ira Morgan Road will be reopened and reconnected to the access road to the CenterPoint Properties. This is expected to be a joint venture between the ELADC, IDOT, and CenterPoint Properties, although detailed are still pending.

Access Justification Report

Due to the existing access routes connecting I-55 to the area (e.g., Centerpoint Properties, Route 53) via Arsenal Road, no Access Justification Report is warranted.

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