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9 Comments for "avoid Chicago rush hour"
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if you are leaving during the work week, I recommend leaving either before 7 or after 9. it takes about 1.5-2.0 hours to get to chicago and rush "hour" is from 6-9.
if you don't have one, I recommend getting an IPass so you don't have to wait to pay tolls. -
[quote=ladybugs mom]We will be heading south (Gulf Shores, AL) for spring break.
Is anyone familiar with driving through Chicago and the best time to drive I-290 to avoid traffic headaches?
Or is there a better freeway to take to avoid traffic jams?
[/quote]
When we travel for long trips thru Chicago we always get up and leave the house by 4-5am so we can get thru by 6:30am ish. -
Another option is leaving at night - leave here around 7 p.m. and try and get 3 or 4 hours in before getting a hotel.
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In the past we have left early, 3 or 4 in the morning, and that way the kids can sleep and we miss the rush. I would definitely look into getting an I pass. It makes it much easier!
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I travel to MI several times a year to visit family. We always take 294 around chicago, there are a lot more tolls (maybe 5-6 total) however it is sooo much easier and smoother. I used to try to time it so that I wouldn't be going through rush hour, but it was always so uncrowded that I just stopped worrying about it, and we've never had a problem. There are also lots of oasis' if you need to stop. I also agree definitely get the I-pass, not only does it make getting through the tolls quicker but tolls posted to your ipass are half the posted amount. Good Luck
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First, let me say. I hate Chicago traffic.
Second, we have partners in IN and TN and do a lot of home visits with our Chicago clients. I agree on leaving MIL at about 7 pm and getting 5 hours in before you get a hotel. This got us to the bottom of IL on our trips. There is also that side HWY that we used to get back up from Tinley last summer.. what is again? 50 something? We got on it at Tinley and traveled all the way up to like Grand Avenue.. it was fantastic. All in all 294 is what my husband would say to do. -
What about driving to downtown Chicago from West Allis at night? We plan to leave about 6:30 Friday night. Also , how's construction?
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I drive from Milwaukee to South Bend, IN about once a month to go visit my parents. And I made that drive about 100 times in college- so I've done it a lot. I tend to leave Milwaukee around 6:30 in the evening- and I never have real problems, even on a Friday. I tend to input it in my GPS to see if there are any delays anywhere so I can avoid that route (I know several different ways to go). I have to say personally, I HATE 294- it's boring boring boring, and a little bit longer for me- plus there are more tolls. I will take it though if I'm anticipating feeding the baby since there are the oasises (is that the plural for oasis?) to stop at. My preferred route is 94 all the way through Chicago, and then getting on the 90 East tollroad (Skyway)- it's the most direct and the quickest. It is expensive though. I agree- get an IPASS- quicker and cheaper.
As far as construction goes- right now 94 E and W are are under construction from south of Milwaukee to the state line (seems to be nearly finished though). The 294 is also under heavy construction- one way is worse than the other and I'm having trouble remembering which it is (I believe going North is worse, but I forget). It's like the yucky, down to 2 narrow lanes with the cement wall right next to you construction too. There is a little bit of construction on the 90 in Northern IN, but not bad. I believe the 94 is under construction in Northen IN too, but it's been awhile since I've gone that way.
Honestly- the only times I've had really bad traffic (like sitting in traffic) is when I've hit Chicago between 3-6pm. It's always pretty heavy unless it's before 6am, or after 9pm (I mean downtown- 294 is usually pretty empty except at rush hour). Hmm....that was kind of a long response- hope it helps and you can PM me if you have questions about different routes. There is away to completely avoid tolls if you need it.
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