Useful Underworld Beneath Chicago 's Loop

Most people in Chicago are aware of the general layout of the downtown Loop area. Many train lines connect to one another and bus routes are nestled within the small, historic business-district heart of the city. What many Chicagoans would be surprised to discover is that there is an underground labyrinth of offerings lying directly beneath the busy pedestrian side- walks of the Loop.

This underground labyrinth is a hidden "secret" of the Pedway system, belonging to any of Chicago Loop's pedestrians that are knowledgeable and/or brave enough to dip underground and explore this oddity. It is not uncommon for larger cities around the world to construct underground walkways, tunnels and concourses to facilitate

the heavy foot-traffic of their business districts. Canadian cities like Toronto and Edmonton are home to extensive underground Pedway systems. Underground Pedway systems are less common in U.S cities, with the few existing often having been re-purposed from prior tunneling ventures.

The major difference between Pedway systems abroad such as Edmonton's and Chicago's own Pedway is size and organization. While Chicago's system extends above ground to offer covered walkways, it lacks the fluidity of system-wide connection. Chicago's underground Pedway system boasts roughly forty blocks of terrain, with large swaths being entirely disconnected from the rest of the underground system. Edmonton's system spans over eight

miles in length of yearly climate- controlled tunnels. Chicago's current system lacks the climate control feature, which seem like a great idea for Chicagoans seeking relief from Chicago's often-inclement weather.

Chicago started construction of the underground Loop Pedway in 1951, with the building of a single block-connecting tunnel between the Washington and Jackson stops of the Red and Blue Line train stations. Over time, stop-and-start construction projects have been implemented by both official and private parties, which contributed to the disorganization found when one tries to find their way around the Pedway, especially at random connecting sections.

On the bright side, given the

erratic nature of Pedway construction, each portion is more or less unique, just like snowflakes. One can find glass-encased tunnels and overpasses, cool electronic mood- lighting, storefronts embedded in the system and even a legendary shoe-shine gentleman who has catered to Chicago's elite for decades.

So, while the system now connects more than fifty buildings, it is advisable to research online maps beforehand, as well as any advice offering warning of potential scary spots before one decides to descend. Signs are vague when they do actually exist, and they rarely contain a complete map of the area to help orient Pedway pedestrians to their location. There is a public map pertaining to the Pedway located on

the east side of Daley plaza, but its existence is more of a curiosity than anything else. The lack of signage as well as a fairly common aversion to being underground for extensive periods of time may explain the understandable hesitancy of Chicagoans to use this mystery of a system.

There are a slew of entry and exit points to Chicago's Pedway. Below is a list of the most easily accessed points to get you started on your own underground adventure.

1. 25 East Washington

2. 1 North State

3. 1 North Dearborn

4. 201 North Clark

5. 150 North Michigan