Report Suggests Improvements for Chicago's Network of Underground Paths

A new report is potentially a first step in a larger project to revamp Chicago's Pedway—an under-appreciated network of tunnels in downtown Chicago.

1 minute read

July 15, 2017, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Underground Tunnel

John Greenfield / Flickr

Blair Kamin shares the details of a new report that delves into the city of Chicago's Pedway—"the underground network of tunnels and corridors that links more than 50 downtown buildings, CTA Red and Blue Line stations, as well as the Metra station beneath Millennium Park."

The Chicago-based Environmental Law & Policy Center commissioned the study, in partnership with Broadway in Chicago and the Chicago Loop Alliance. A new 38-page study is the result.

Kamin, who is a "veteran" Pedway user, offers his assessment of the report's recommendations. "While some of the suggested tools, like consistently labeled signs, are no-brainers, others, such as the cube-shaped entrance pavilion, promise imaginative touches of architectural spectacle. The Pedway needs both."

The article also includes more details about the report, and the status of the political support that could move forward with the ideas included in the report.

Saturday, July 8, 2017 in Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 10, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

A line of white wind turbines surrounded by wheat and soybean fields with a cloudy blue sky in the background.

Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal

The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.

4 hours ago - Fast Company

Red and white Caltrain train.

Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification

The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.

6 hours ago - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

View up at brick Catholic church towers and modern high-rise buildings.

Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation

Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.

6 hours ago - NBC Dallas