Great Lakes - Superweek driing tips - Chicago?

Okay, so next friday 7/11 is the first day of Superweek in Beverly Hills on Chicago's south side.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&address=10700+S+Longwood+Dr&city=Chicago&state=IL&zipcode=60643&zoom=5

The earliest I can leave home (Milwaukee) is noon ... will I make the race by 5pm??? :o

Should I HTFU and take the tollway straight through the city, drive west through Rockford and come in from the west (that's what I'm thinking), or just bail and take the train (:cry:). ????

Hmmm....noon on a Friday....From Brew town to South Side of the split....via d-town....in 5 hours.

Good luck. Let me know how late you were.

Most (CyLowe) will disagree, but I have raced people around Chicago via 294 over 90/94 and beaten them by hours every single time. Construction - I am sure one section you want to take is probably down to 1-2 lanes in at least one place.

Don't head all the way to Rockford, but just take 94 to 294 and around. By the time you hit 57 back in you should be looking at being on the good side of the reverse commute.

For the most part you should have smooth sailing - and it is basically the Autobahn. If not then you wouldn't have made it the other way either.

Judy from OnStar (CyLowe) will disagree, but he wants to burn less gas and doesn't mind sitting in traffic. I have actual datapoints to prove 294 is much faster.

:thumb:

I agree that 294 is the better way to go, i used to drive from the north burbs to indiana for school. Is 294 still under construction though? probably still better than 94 (also under construction). The brilliance of IDOT is exemplified by their plan to put 94, 294, and 53 all under construction at the same time.

Don't head all the way to Rockford, but just take 94 to 294 and around. By the time you hit 57 back in you should be looking at being on the good side of the reverse commute.

Take 95th Street to Beverly instead of going all the way to I-57. You will get a surprise when you cross over I-57 without an interchange if you try that.

Hmmm....noon on a Friday....From Brew town to South Side of the split....via d-town....in 5 hours.

Good luck. Let me know how late you were.

Most (CyLowe) will disagree, but I have raced people around Chicago via 294 over 90/94 and beaten them by hours every single time. Construction - I am sure one section you want to take is probably down to 1-2 lanes in at least one place.

Don't head all the way to Rockford, but just take 94 to 294 and around. By the time you hit 57 back in you should be looking at being on the good side of the reverse commute.

For the most part you should have smooth sailing - and it is basically the Autobahn. If not then you wouldn't have made it the other way either.

Judy from OnStar (CyLowe) will disagree, but he wants to burn less gas and doesn't mind sitting in traffic. I have actual datapoints to prove 294 is much faster.

I agree with this assessment.

But if there is an accident somewhere, then all bets are off.

I suggest a helicopter.


Take 95th Street to Beverly instead of going all the way to I-57. You will get a surprise when you cross over I-57 without an interchange if you try that.
^^ VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE! ^^

To repeat: No interchange at I-294 and I-57. Brilliant.

^^ VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE! ^^

To repeat: No interchange at I-294 and I-57. Brilliant.

Indeed. I have personally messed that one up before IIRC. Amazing as it may seem....crossings with no interchanges.....

I live in Beverly and make this drive all the time. Use 294, without question. Do you have an Ipass? Great if you do. If not, and this is advice you can take if you want, just drive through the toll as if you have a pass then call the Illinois Tollway and pay your tolls over the phone.
Expect some traffic but it won't be anywhere as bad as the alternatives. Unless you're paying cash for your tolls, then you better pack a lunch.
Speaking of lunch:
Roseangelas on 95th has good thin crust pizza.
Pops, on Kedzie and 103rd has great Italian Beef
Barraccos is a decent, full service restaurant. Palermos too.
Top Notch Beefburger, very delicious.

But what you really want is a bar

and pretty much the only place to go is Cork and Kerry. Many many times we'll get a pizza or a beef and bring it to the Cork, sit on the patio and have a picnic.

Keep in mind southsiders know nothing about food so don't just pop in somewhere. I'll gladly supply addresses and details if you'd like.