Pedway - Downtown Pedestrian Walkway System
Chicago’s downtown pedestrian walkway system, the Pedway, lies in the heart of the city. This system of underground tunnels and overhead bridges links more than 40 blocks in the Central Business District, covering roughly five miles.
Used by thousands of pedestrians each day, the Pedway connects public buildings, private buildings, and transit facilities serving the CTA, Metra, Amtrak, and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD).
Development of the Pedway began in 1951, when the City of Chicago built one-block tunnels connecting the Red Line and Blue Line subways at Washington Street and Jackson Boulevard. Since then, both public and private investment have expanded the Pedway, and the system now connects more than 50 buildings.
The Pedway is a safe, quick, and convenient way for pedestrians to travel downtown—especially during times of unpleasant weather. The Pedway also benefits traffic by reducing the conflict between vehicles and pedestrians, resulting in fewer accidents and better traffic flow.
If you have any Pedway questions or issues, please reach out to Pedway@CityofChicago.org.