I-94 through Chicago

We just returned from the UP...

If Calumet is the destination, I-94 is a disaster. Construction from the IL/WI border into downtown Milwaukee.

Instead, head down I-80 to I-39. Get on US-8 east at Tomahawk to US-45 north.

Mickeyfan0805 wrote:
We live in SE WI and do the drive all the time. We have also towed through Atlanta a handful of times and IMHO, Atlanta doesnt hold a candle to the hassle of driving I94 through Chicago. Winding and narrow lanes, on-ramps on both sides, crazy drivers, etc...

The 294 bypass really doesn't change the drive at all if you use an iPass. If you have time, I'd sign up for and iPass and have it sent as it will help you in Indiana as well.

^^^^^^^^^^^^ Great advice!! We too travel through Chicago every now and then, timing is EVERYTHING! From Milwaukee we head through Chicago on I-294 starting at 8:30 am - 9:00 am. We've NEVER had traffic trouble using 294 at that hour but beware, we're going south and the north-bound side south of O'Hare is crazy busy at that hour! From the south I'd try going a little later in the morning IF using I-294. We use the I-Pass, time AND money saver!

We had to leave our trailer in Indiana three years ago for warranty work, I decided to take I-94 up through town (Chicago) around noon. NEVER again will I drive up the "freeway" (I-94)! It took us and extra hour to get through Chicago that trip.

Dan

Been through Atlanta many times.

Worked in Chicago many years.

Hauled a TT on I94 through Chicago once.

Never again.

I suppose if you knew what lane was the “right” lane to be in it would not be so harrowing.

I would suggest get on I80 west. Pick up I39 north. Then just inside Wisconsin take I43 and deal with Milwaukee traffic while heading north.

Or get the I-PASS or EZ-PASS and do I294 around Chicago. I gave I-PASS $20 when they first offered it. When the balance gets to $10 they replenish it back to $20. Illinois tolls are ½ price. One transponder is good for all my vehicles. Just put it in the lead vehicle when towing.

I went through Chicago once in the middle of the night (1:00 a.m.±). On the return trip and every trip thereafter I went 100 miles out of my way to not go through Chicago. Never Again!

A little further but a lot less hassle would be to go through Mi. and avoid Chicago and Milwaukee. According to Google Map it 164 mi and 2 hr & 41 min longer. Of course the time going through Chicago if you hit a bad time

We live in SE WI and do the drive all the time. We have also towed through Atlanta a handful of times and IMHO, Atlanta doesnt hold a candle to the hassle of driving I94 through Chicago. Winding and narrow lanes, on-ramps on both sides, crazy drivers, etc...

The 294 bypass really doesn't change the drive at all if you use an iPass. If you have time, I'd sign up for and iPass and have it sent as it will help you in Indiana as well.

Trekkar wrote:
What is your destination? Are you stopping in Chicago, or just passing through?

Just passing through. We plan to visit Indiana Dunes on Thursday and Friday and then head north toward to Calumet on the Upper Peninsula on Saturday or maybe Sunday.

paulj wrote:
Though I94 doesn't totally avoid tolls. North of Chicago you have to switch to US41 to avoid a section of the Tristate (after 94 jogs over to join 294). 41 is multilane with stop lights.

Watch the underpasss heights on US41. A really tall trailer might have an issue. 12ft will work though

Though I94 doesn't totally avoid tolls. North of Chicago you have to switch to US41 to avoid a section of the Tristate (after 94 jogs over to join 294). 41 is multilane with stop lights.

Be patient and watch out for crazy drivers amd you should be fine.