Best highway to arrive to Chicago from south side (I-65) on this Sunday just before labor day?

Question

I'll be coming from south (I-65 N) to Schaumburg this Sunday just before Labor day and need advise on what would be the best route once near Chicago.

Option 1: Continue on I-65 N until it merges into I-90 and then continue on I-90 W (the Northwest tollway), pass O'Hare and then take my exit for Schaumburg.

Option 2: Avoid I-90 as passing through downtown, it could be having heavy traffic. Instead to turn into I-80/94 W just short of point where I-65 mergrs into I-90. Then get into I-294 N, and finally into I-355/290 N and take my Schaumburg exit from there. The directions also show me that if I take this route, there is a possibility of delay due to a construction from US-12 to Indiana State line (doesn't tells me what direction of the highway the construction is on).

Distance-wise both options are same. If someone who frequently uses these routes around Chicago could give practical advise on what route would be best to take from time/traffic perspective considering the day.

Answer 1

Without doubt, you want to take the Tri-State (I-294) around Chicago and then get on I-290 to Schaumburg.

I-94 (the Dan Ryan) is under massive construction, and the traffic there is also affecting the Skyway (I-90 from Indiana into Chicago). It's more scenic to go through town, but those are always our busiest highways.

Take I-294 -- and have a GREAT weekend!

Answer 2

I think you have I-90 and I-94 confused. I80/90 is the route that leads to I-290. I-94 is the Skyway toll bridge. I believe that since they have raised the toll, that the Skyway may be faster. I do know that there is alot of construction going on near the I-80/90 exchage with I-290. Flip a coin and pick one, and expect the journey to last at least 2 hours longer that Yahoo maps will tell you.

Answer 3

294 to 290 is probably the best way... either way, you're getting into heavy traffic. Be careful when you get into Illinois because the road splits right after Torrence. They just changed alot of exits there so many people won't know where they are going...
Stick to the left to get to 294... going to the right takes you to the Dan Ryan... which is also such a pleasure cruise...
Good Luck.
Too bad you didn't decide to fly into Schaumburg Airport.

Answer 4

I agree

Without doubt, you want to take the Tri-State (I-294) around Chicago and then get on I-290 to Schaumburg.

Answer 5

I also vote for 294.

Lots of construction on the south side. Be sure the car's tank is full and yours is empty before you get into a traffic jam.

Answer 6

Whatever you do dont take the Dan Ryan (94/90)