Mnwild
Minnesota
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We are planning a trip to Washington DC the end of March from Minnesota and Ive always tried to avoid Chicago when going east. When checking map quest it says its over 100 miles shorter going that way rather than droping down to Bloomington Ill. and then heading east. Is it still a good idea to go the long way. We are traveling in a 32 foot gas Motorhome with no toad. Thanks in advance for any advise.
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danager
Edmonton Alberta
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Joined: 09/11/2010
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Last summer, I drove from Alberta to Michigan, and going through Chicago was the worst part. On the drive back, I went around it. I was towing a 28' TT. I would avoid it again...
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Dennis M M
Geneva, IL; Tucson, AZ
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Going to Washington, DC there is no reason to stay north. I would recommend I-39 to I-74, then pick up I-70 east in Indy.
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CREATO
Beautiful Harvey N.D.
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Dennis M M wrote:Going to Washington, DC there is no reason to stay north. I would recommend I-39 to I-74, then pick up I-70 east in Indy.
THats the way I would go. I have gone through Chicago several times hoping it will be better than the last it never has been I now avaoid it at all costs.
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brirene
midwest
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If you don't want to add the extra miles, you can certainly take 80 across the south side of the Chicago area. If you do so, just do it midday, especially during the week. I've gone that way many times, and haven't had any MAJOR delays. Of course, construction (and there's always construction) or accidents will affect the drive, and that will change, so difficult to plan for. Is it busy and crowded? Yes, it is, but if you drop down on 39, or even 355 (toll), time it right, and have a little luck, it's not really that bad, IMO.
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paulj
Seattle
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danager wrote:Last summer, I drove from Alberta to Michigan, and going through Chicago was the worst part. On the drive back, I went around it. I was towing a 28' TT. I would avoid it again...
by what route did you 'go around it'?
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paulj
Seattle
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If it isn't practical to use the freeways further south, posters commonly recommend taking I39 south to I80, and then east. This still hits urban traffic on the south side of Chicago, and in NW Indiana, but skips most of Chicago.
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Can-AmDuo
Maryland
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You are correct. It is 100 miles longer but at least 3 - 4 hours shorter. I travel from MD to MN and beyond almost every summer and I will NEVER go through Chicago again.
Safe travels, Brenda
I use 90/94 to 39 south then 80 east. If you don't want tolls then you need to drop down further.
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in5r
Indiana
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Living in northern Indiana and tarveling to Wisconsin I often use the I-80 & 39 route as well. It is a bit out of the way but cuts back on the heavier Chicago area traffic.
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paulj
Seattle
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'Going through Chicago' or not is a bit ambiguous, since it depends on your definition of Chicago - city or metro area.
I90/I94 takes you downtown. I294 is a busy tollway that crosses the nearer suburbs. I355 is the next beltway out. I39 is beyond the metro area. But on the south side, where I80 and I94 run together, there isn't an outer beltway. And US30 (Lincoln Hwy) is a suburban surface street (mostly 4 lane).
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