Routing question/ Chicago area....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ncmickey, May 11, 2014.

  1. ncmickey

    ncmickey Road Train Member

    3,746
    6,796
    Jun 21, 2013
    Durham NC
    0
    I'm driving from Minneapolis to Grand Rapids tomorrow. I was wondering the best way around Chicago. Miles are not a issue. I could take the easy looking way: I94 to I90 to I34 to I80 to I94 to I196. That bypasses Chicago with a pretty healthy margin. But I could stay on I90 to I290 to I294 to I80 etc. That gets much closer to Chicago.

    Was just curious how others would go. I myself am leaning towards the first. More miles...less traffic?

    I was in Dallas last week and Minneapolis this week. Talk about 2 confusing highway systems. What city's highway system do you hate the the most? Some are so easy to navigate and others seem designed just to confuse you!! Lol

    Just some Sunday morning Convo!! Thanks for the opinions!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

    19,726
    18,731
    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
    0
    I-94, I90, I-294, I-80, I-94, I-196

    Timing is key, try to time Chicago either 9pm-5am or after 9am-2pm
     
  4. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

    8,775
    14,727
    Mar 5, 2012
    Ontario Canada
    0
    I stay right on 94 all the way through, tolls are 7.50 and 5.00, it is about 15 miles longer than if you took 90, but saves some on tolls ... Do you know what time of day you can run through Chicago? If possible, if you can leave early enough to get completely through Chicago you will avoid the traffic ...
     
    ncmickey Thanks this.
  5. Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

    3,367
    5,644
    Jul 6, 2008
    Liberty, Missouri
    0
    You should not have to worry too much about traffic. Chicago is not nearly as bad as one would think. The only times that you really have to worry is when Obama is in town.

    Just watch out for stray bullets.
     
    ncmickey Thanks this.
  6. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    22,474
    20,134
    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
    0
    If u want less traffic,go thru Chicago 4 am.For me I-94 was the worst during rush hr.Make sure to watch your signs and lanes.Alot of the lanes exits off after like a mile.You should plan a couple routes just in case.If u go thru Chicago a normal time you still could have a lot of stop and go traffic due to construction, accident or a cop over on the shoulder.During daylite hrs u will have a lot of traffic no matter what,so be prepared for it.
     
    ncmickey Thanks this.
  7. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    22,474
    20,134
    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
    0
    Of course for you its not bad because u have exp but for someone new,it can be scarey.Was for me.Now its just another big city.
     
    ncmickey Thanks this.
  8. Edgar2191

    Edgar2191 Light Load Member

    178
    33
    Apr 9, 2013
    0
    Its really depends at what time u go to chicago weekends are also better on traffic. At 1 am you can go anywhere np problems all lanes open.
     
    Pmracing and ncmickey Thank this.
  9. goblue

    goblue Road Train Member

    1,586
    789
    Dec 23, 2012
    Grand Prairie, Texas
    0
    I would agree with Condo on this one... not only best economically but should be quick and good with traffic. It will be nice when I90 is completed although I haven't really had any issues in the construction other than it's a bit slower.

    I have been down the middle of chicago too, numerous times, 94/dan ryan/90/94 to get up to wisconsin. I have no issues with that either as long as you go late night. Its a cool view of the city at night too.

    At Roehl we are never routed on the skyway.....anyone know how much that sucker is for a truck? seems like it's close to $10 for a car.
     
    ncmickey Thanks this.
  10. ncmickey

    ncmickey Road Train Member

    3,746
    6,796
    Jun 21, 2013
    Durham NC
    0
    Ill be leaving Minneapolis around 6-7 am. Depends what time we finish loading out of the theatre.
    So Chicago area around lunchtime.
     
  11. Mrs T

    Mrs T Road Train Member

    1,624
    1,496
    Aug 5, 2008
    planet earth
    0
    Do you have I-Pass?
    Tolls will make a difference to how you choose your route : )
     
    ncmickey Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.