Chicago’s Outer Belt By Angela Cotey | May 8, 2024 | Last updated on August 7, 2025 Email Newsletter Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Sign-up for email today! Get Updates An eastbound Elgin, Joliet & Eastern freight is headed by 2-8-2 No. 747 about 2 miles east of Joliet, Ill. For years the road promoted itself as a Chicago bypass. R.H. Braun photo