Best time to drive between rush hours?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BROKENSPROKET, Mar 29, 2014.

  1. BROKENSPROKET

    BROKENSPROKET Medium Load Member

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    What is the best time window to get through a major city like Chicago on I-90 between the morning and afternoon rush hours?

    I am asking as I have never lived in a big city and don't have much experience to determine what the best time would be. I would think that between 10 and 2 would be best, but what is your opinion?
     
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  3. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    Green Bay Wi
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    there are a lot of variables
    heading into the city morning rush or evening rush
    if your delivering in the city or just passing thru
    if your worried about miles or time
    if you want to stay off toll roads


    If I was leaving Green Bay and going to Perrysburg OH
    I wouldn't ever go near Ohara in the morning
    I would go down 355 to 80
    but most drivers are restricted by company rules and time
     
  4. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Between 4 and 5 am is smooth sailing.Once the sun starts to shine forget it,stop and go all day.Then once it starts getting dark it becomes easier to get thru Chicago.
     
  5. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    Before 5am and after 9pm...just my opinion.
     
  6. Badcable

    Badcable Medium Load Member

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    Outside Chicago, IL
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    You guys are pretty spot on for the rush hours. Thursday/Friday/Saturday nights Chicago is full of partiers going every which way after midnight. Gotta look out for the ones that may have partied a bit too hearty.
     
  7. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Longview, TX
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    If there is an "ideal time" between rush hours, I'd say 09:00-11:30 or 13:30-15:00. Try and avoid the "lunch hour", even in smaller towns this can be an issue. School lets out (and those who "have appointments and need to leave early") around 15:00 and from there on past 18:30, forget it for the most part.
     
    BROKENSPROKET Thanks this.
  8. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    I would think the best time to drive between rush hours would be between the rush hours, simple really. either that or drive during rush hour.
     
  9. BROKENSPROKET

    BROKENSPROKET Medium Load Member

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    Wisconsin
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    That is what I prefer, but that is not always feasible.

    After 7 pm, I-35 though downtown Kansas City is fun. I took I-90E through Chicago after 10 pm and it was good. The next day I came back trough at 3 pm and I didn't enjoy that at all.
     
  10. BROKENSPROKET

    BROKENSPROKET Medium Load Member

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    Jan 22, 2011
    Wisconsin
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    I am not sure when rush hour peaks and dies down, so that is what I was hoping to hear from those with experience.

    I can go around if I want, so I am just trying to gain more insight to apply to my trip planning.
     
  11. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    i'm still up in the air.

    chicago, los angeles, phoenix and denver are close behind.

    most of you are pumpkins at night. so you really no choice at times. since you can't control THE CLOCK.
     
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