michigansandzilla wrote:
Mortimer Brewster wrote:
Assuming that you are going around the south end of Lake Michigan, the only part of the route that is problematic is how to navigate the Chicago area. Do you have either an IPass or E-ZPass for tolls? The best route will vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. Do not go through Chicago! Traffic is usually bad and even when good can go downhill quickly. Expect a lot of trucks on I-80.
Best routes through Illinois are either I-80 to I-294 to I-290 to I-90; or I-80 to I-355 to I-290 to I-90.
To avoid most, but not all tolls, you could take I-80 to I-39. This route is significantly longer.
I’d advise using Google Maps with the traffic feature turned on to find the best route.
In southern Minnesota fuel stations are a little scarce unless you get off the interstate.
Have a good trip!
We should hit Chicago about 11 am on Saturday, provided we're on schedule.
We're looking for the fastest and easiest routes. Toll roads are not our favorite but it will be worth spending $50 if it saves us a couple of hours driving.
Taking I-355 will add roughly 20 minutes to your trip, but it’s less stressful. I-294 usually backs up in the area where I-88 and I-290 meet up. It’s usually a short delay, but you need to be in the far right lane and look for an exit going to Rockford (I-290). If you don’t already have one, I strongly recommend getting an I-Pass. It will save a lot of time.
