I 90 through Chicago

[Paul Somers]

On trip we're taking next month will take us though Chicago headed west. Any one familiar with Chicago got suggestion. We'll be coming from east on I-90 and continuing on west on I-90.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[MJawsman]

I've been through Chicago a few times but never pulling a 5th wheel or trailer. The only advice I can offer is to look sharp. Chicago traffic sucks. Toll roads are everywhere so be sure to have lots of change handy and be sure to look down the road far enough to be sure you're in the proper lane. If it's a leisurely trip for you, maybe you could try an alternate route around Chicago and see the country side? Good luck!

 

[Shooter]

A destination would be helpful. How far west on 94?????? BILLINGS, MT ???. I 94 to I 80 to I 39 . It will save you 2 horendous metropolitan areas ( actually Chicago and Milwaukee are one big city ). Shorter is not always quicker.

 

[Rob Thomas]

If you time the drive just right, go through there in the wee hours and you should be fine, as far as traffic is concered. If you end up goin' through the day, good luck! That is the worst traffic this side of the Mississippi, I would suggest dropping down to route 6, or route 30, then head west 'till ya pick-up I-57 N, to I-80 W, to I-39 N into Rockford, then pick-up I-90 W. Thats just me, been there done that, that traffic sucks HUGE, I'd much rather go through NYC than the Windy city, they don't call it that fer nothing, it blows. :-laf Do yerself a favor and go around it, there's no sence in riskin' it. Just my . 04



Later, Rob

 

[Partyat33]

From 6 AM to 9 AM and from 3:30 PM to 6 PM, go find something else to do. Get some dinner or something. You will be miserable. I would also HIGHLY recommend listenting to the radio for traffic congestion as you enter. If there is a crash, it will be ugly ANY time of day.



Dennis



You might consider dropping down to 80. Post some desination departure and that might help.

 

[Extreme1]

I'd opt for I-80. Been there, done that, invented the new cuss words.

 

[Paul Somers]

Destination

Leaving Centerville, MI. on July 12th headed to Souix Falls, SD. Guess I should have mentioned that.

 

[LSMITH]

Originally posted by Partyat33

From 6 AM to 9 AM and from 3:30 PM to 6 PM, go find something else to do. Get some dinner or something. You will be miserable. I would also HIGHLY recommend listenting to the radio for traffic congestion as you enter. If there is a crash, it will be ugly ANY time of day.



Dennis

This ^^^^^^^^ is the gospel truth. I have driven through chicago 15 times in the last 3 months and it is nasty during the hours Dennis mentioned. Middle of the day and later evenings are not bad at all. If you can time it right it is a breeze getting through, if you do not time it or there is an accident be prepared for massive frustration. 80 to 39 is not a bad route either if the time of day is not right.

 

[WyoJim]

I moved to Montana from Pennsylvania 15 years ago and in the process settled on I-80 to I-680 at almost to Omaha. I-680 to I-29 north to I-90 at Sioux Falls, SD.

I go back to PA every year to see the old folks. In fact I just got back to WY this morning. and this was my route. It is still the best route.



Pay your toll fee on the Indiana Turnpike and fuel up at the next place, about five miles I think. BP diesel at $1. 18. Do this so you can get all the way across ILL because their prices suck. Iowa prices are not to bad. I don't remember what and my book is still in the truck.



After you fill up in IND and get back on the four lane its less than a mile untill the I-80 Exit, watch sharp.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Save yourself a lot of grief and avoid Chicago altogether. I'm going through Rockford south, then across to Muncie. I won't drive through Chicago again with a trailer. I might never go back through there again, period. Any added distance you take to avoid Chicago will be made up for in time and comfort.

 

[Powder Extreme]

Paul, been there, done that. Take I-80 east into Iowa, then 380 north to Waterloo, then take 218 north to I-90 in Minnesota. I've driven this road several times. Good road, light traffic, not too many small towns to slow you down. I've driven it in a semi a few times as well. The distance using I-90 all the way is 690 miles. Using I-80, 380 etc. the distance is 738. Basically 50 miles further, probably about the same time wise, maybe slightly longer than if you hit Chicago during off hours. But it will be a whole lot quicker than Chicago rush hour, not too mention one hell of alot smoother road. The money you save on tolls will be more than the cost of a few extra gallons of diesel. If you do decide to run through Chicago, the fastest route is this: I-80 to I-294 to I-290 to I-90. Don't just run I-90, that takes you through Chicago, running the other way takes you through the suburbs, less traffic, and just a couple of miles difference. Hope this helps!!



Jerry

 

[Johnny5]

Second that...

Powder Extreme, mentioned the best way to go thru Chicago, it is a very easy run, but watch out for rush hour. I use the 290 to 294 to go south into Indiana which I will drive this week to hit Muncie.



Johnny5