Does anyone know an alternate route to get around the slow-downs at the Illinois/Indiana border on I-294?

Question

I travel from the Western Chicago suburbs to metro-Detroit about twice a month, and it takes about 4 1/2 hours, but I can sit in stop-and-go traffic at that border for an hour. There isn't even any construction there! Does anyone know why these people can't just merge onto the freeway? I usually don't drive during rush hour. Most of my problems happen on the way back through Indiana to Chicagoland. At 6 o'clock on a Sunday, the freeway is jammed. I would really appreciate if anyone could suggest an alternate route so that I can stop tearing out my hair. Thanks!

Answer 1

Try Rt. 6. In Illinois it's a little bit north of I-80. Also, I have found that traffic isn't too bad until after I-65. If you go south a bit on 65 you'll hit BR-6. That turns into Ridge Rd. It will take you into Lansing where you can take the Bishop Ford Fwy north back to I-80/294. Then again, there's always the Skyway. It costs, but if you want to be out of the traffic that's the way to go.