Downtown Skokie Transportation
Accessibility to transportation is a key advantage for Downtown Skokie. The Edens Expressway (I-94) spans Skokie's western edge, while Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and PACE suburban bus lines and the CTA's Skokie Swift Yellow rail line offer numerous options for public transportation.
CTA Yellow Line Oakton Street Station
Construction has begun on the CTA Yellow Line Oakton Street Station in Downtown Skokie. Construction of the "Kiss 'n Ride" facility is expected to be complete in fall 2011, and the Chicago Transit Authority estimates some 1,200 boardings will occur at the stop each day.
The station will cost approximately $20 million to construct, with the Village of Skokie funding $6 million and an additional $14 million coming from federal funds. The new station is adjacent to the Illinois Science + Technology Park (IS + TP) in Downtown Skokie. The new station is anticipated to increase the attractiveness of the IS + TP by directly connecting Downtown Skokie and Chicago
Bus Routes
The CTA bus routes 97 and 54A and Pace bus routes 226 and 210 run through Downtown Skokie. For more information on these two bus routes, please visit their respective websites listed below.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) at www.transitchicago.com
PACE suburban bus lines at www.pacebus.com
Skokie Rails to Trails Corridor
In late April 2010, the Village of Skokie purchased the abandoned Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way between Oakton Street and Dempster Street, just west of the Skokie Swift Tracks, for the development of a multi-use walking and bicycle path. The path will be called the Skokie Rails to Trails Corridor and will consist of a paved path, natural prairie-style landscaping, signage and street furniture.
The corridor is expected to open by spring 2011. Eventually, the plan is to connect the Skokie Rails to Trails Corridor with the North Shore Bicycle Path to the north and to the Chicago bicycle path system to the south.
