How is traffic in Chicago?

Answer 1

There is always traffic there, particularly on the express ways 24/7. Major streets always busy18/5. Right now a snowmobile is the best vehicle to get around the area--though illegal. Go practice in Boston for awhile then you can be a semi-competent rookie in Chi town.

Answer 2

Most of the time it's not too bad except in the Loop. Rush hours are insane but doable.

Street traffic is mostly moderate but congested in the morning from 7am-9am and afternoons from 4 pm-7pm. in the entire city and most suburbs. Lack of left-turn arrows on main streets add to the problem.

Expressways are heavy...5-10 mph in the city with better moving traffic in the suburbs during the same times. A typical 40 mile commute from the suburb takes about 90 min in the morning and a little more in the afternoon. A 10 mile commute...40 min.

In general, the closer to downtown you are going, the slower the traffic flow.

Compounding this are 2 other factors...weather and construction. Add 30-40 min for either of these...60-90 for both. Construction crews have been tearing up a section of expressway that comprises 2 main Interstate routes (I-90+I-94) for 2 yrs with another 2 yrs to go. This artery connects the Eastcoast and California. It also carries traffic to WI, MN and the rest of the West.

After that area is finished the crews will attack another.

Answer 3

I love Chicago. Ive been living here for 23 yrs. The traffic is OK, you need to be patient. But if your like me you can take the side streets which is allot better then driving on the main streets. You'll get to your destination allot faster. You also have to drive like you are in Chicago not the country. There is allot of stop and go and the cars go much faster than the speed limit. For me if the speed limit is 30 MPH and the street is empty I usually go like 50. Everyone is always in a rush. It gets worse in the warmer weather. Its like EVERYONE goes for a ride. If I want to go to the grocery store which should take me about a 15 minute ride count on it being like a 45 minute ride just to get there. Even all the side streets are packed. Warmer weather and traffic sucks. since its cold out now not allot of people want to go out so the streets are more clear.

Answer 4

Exciting to say the least. Defensive driving takes on a whole new meaning in the Windy City. Just pay attention and remember if you leave a half a car length between you and the car in front of you that is an invitation for someone to cut in and believe you me they will!
Everytime the light turns green the race is on and the rule is about three cars on a red.
It can be brutal, but after a while you get used to it just like anything else.
Get a good map or GPS and go for a ride, there are lots of great sights to see and much history.

Answer 5

I have been to many places and Chicago has the worst traffic I have ever witnessed!

Answer 6

One of the worst. But not half as bad as L.A. where traffic is constant 24 hours a day. For real.

Answer 7

I refuse to drive in Chicago!

Answer 8

Awful. If you go anywhere, make sure it is a reverse commute.

I lived there for 5 years, and I wish I could have sold my car a lot sooner than I did. The public transportation system is awesome, so if possible, take it!!!

Answer 9

it depends where you are going if heading downtown chicago it might be much longer

Answer 10

terrible, there was a 40 car pile up the other day.