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Flapper
Explorer
Jul 08, 2017

Madison WI to Elkhart IN - dealing with Chicago

Any recommendations?
I have an I-Pass. Traveling 9am to 3pm on a Mon. All routing software wants to take me on I-90 through downtown and out the other side. I've done it before, not usually much fun. DW really wants to add the time and miles to take I-39 down to I-80, take a left and carry on to Indiana. There are, of course, other options, like 88-80 or 90-355-80.

Least amount of lane changes, exiting and entering preferred. Least amount (ha!) of traffic/slowdowns/construction, also, of course.

Any reports of construction slowdowns on I-80 between Chicago and Elkhart? Our campground in Elkhart had a big warning, and a really off, secondary road route suggested to save hours of being stalled on I-80. But Google is telling me there's not much to worry about.
  • Your biggest headache will be construction in Indiana. FYI, there's an oasis near Belvidere where you could drop the DW off. Treat it like a NASCAR gas-n-go.
  • I've done 39-80 before. The only objection is the 60 mi "detour" that entails. I chafe at the extra hour it adds. But, I've got no real idea how traffic/construction slowdowns actually compare on the other routes for increasing the time. So I'll probably grit my teeth, and do as the DW commands....
  • Over the years, we have done this dozens of times with RVs. Years ago I gave up on finding a route through the area that didn't involve 1)Massive tolls (seriously , multi axles tolls in that stretch are criminal) 2)Crawling through stop and go traffic 3)construction delays. We switched to 39/80 and it's been great. Might look longer on the map, but unless you come through Chicago at sunrise, on a Sunday morning, 39/80 is going to get you there quicker, and with a lot less stress.
  • Since they added a lane to I-90 between Rockford and O'Hare, traffic has improved. I-355 would be my first option. Option 2 would be to take the TriState Tollway (I-294). That route would be 90-290-294-80. If you have a smartphone use Google Maps to keep an eye on last minute traffic problems.
  • stickdog wrote:
    If your towing take I39 to I80 it will keep your blood pressure down and save tolls. A little more adventurous take I90 to I355 to I80 which would be a little shorter but more tolls. Monday am after 9:00 should be allright. Enjoy.


    X2 This is what we do
  • If your towing take I39 to I80 it will keep your blood pressure down and save tolls. A little more adventurous take I90 to I355 to I80 which would be a little shorter but more tolls. Monday am after 9:00 should be allright. Enjoy.