For any industry, transportation and utilities are two important pieces of infrastructure needed for any successful business. Kankakee County’s broad system of highways, railroads, public transportation and airport provide businesses and individuals with the necessary requirements to reach the global marketplace. The county's capable utility companies provide businesses and residents with the necessary resources to succeed in the area. Check out our maps section for more information on our excellent transportation network.
Greater Kankakee Airport
Located off of I-57, Greater Kankakee Airport is the largest airport serving the south Chicagoland area. The airport supports two runways, the longest at 6000 feet, an instrumental landing system and over 120 hangers. The airport is not part of Chicago airspace, which gives it an advantage in avoiding congestion. Annual operations are approximately 50,000 (25,000 arrivals and 25,000 departures) and generates an annual economic impact of over $22 million.
Kankakee County is in close proximity to Midway Airport, which is drivable in 50 minutes and O’Hare International Airport in 90 minutes.
Highways
Kankakee County’s proximity to national interstate is ideal for any industrial company and provides excellent accessibility to all major markets in the Midwest. It has direct access to I-57 and is about 25 minutes driving time to I-80. This provides an advantage for businesses serving all major markets in the United States.
Public Transportation
The River Valley METRO Mass Transit District, whose mission is to provide safe and efficient transportation within its service area, has provided public transportation in the area since July 1999. The District’s member communities include Aroma Park, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Kankakee, Kankakee County and Manteno.
Service is provided from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM six days per week. Nine routes are operated within the area and service is provided to the Metra station at University Park. ADA accessible service is also provided on METRO Plus service. River Valley METRO provided 363,953 rides in fiscal year 2006.
River Valley METRO was designated the “Fastest Growing Transit System” in North America in 2001 by Metro Magazine. In 2002, River Valley METRO was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American Public Transit Association. Metro Magazine also designated River Valley METRO one of the “10 Most Improved Transit Systems in North America.
Railways
Kankakee County is well served by a number of railroads, including Canadian National providing access north and south, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern and others. The Chicago area is a center for activity in the Midwest; Kankakee County provides quick access to railroads for many businesses that rely on bulk commodities.
