Chicago Trip Routing Alternatives - Help!

[Florida Panhandler]

We are attending the annual HR Maintenance Session in Goshen, IN outside Elkhart in a couple weeks. Once we finish there, we are headed west to Austin, MN. Our problem is that we are hesitant to tackle the Chicago area with a 40' MH and Toad in tow. The whole area from Gary west thru Chicago seems a madhouse for sure.

We haven't been thru the Chicago area since back in the late 60's. We are just not sure how the roads are for a rig our size and would prefer to not use toll roads. We considered dropping down to Rt 6, connect with US 30 and then connect with I-80 west of Chicago but the route still hedges mighty close to the city and we're not sure about the road condition or congestion.

We are open to any recommendations from those who have traveled this or any other route.
Thanks,

[justlou]

I would stay away from route 30, it takes forever. Take 80/90 west from Elkhart and then pick up 80 west around Portage. Stay on 80 west to 39 north and then 39 to Wisconsin. Yes, you will have some tolls, but you will avoid the Chicag traffic.

[Popcorn Man]

Hi Folks, I would take 31 around South Bend up to I-80/90 then go West to I-80/94 continue West to I-80 You'll have to take the Il. Tollway from Il./Ind. border to I-80. Keep going West to I-39 then go North into Wis. and on to Minn. via I-90/94. You might also go to www,aaa.com and use their Trip Tick helper to plot your trip. There is alot of construction going on now. You could also take I-294 around Chicago to I-90 then NW to Rockford where it hits I-39. More traffic and Tolls this way. Depends what time of day and if it's during the week-end. Good Luck!! Popcorn Man 2008 Allegro

[Pappy2Camp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by justlou I would stay away from route 30, it takes forever. Take 80/90 west from Elkhart and then pick up 80 west around Portage. Stay on 80 west to 39 north and then 39 to Wisconsin. Yes, you will have some tolls, but you will avoid the Chicag traffic.

This is very sound advice!

IF..... construction wasnt going on, i would have diverted you to I355 N to I90. this is a great cut and would save time going to 39.

however, I355 is messed up and has narrowed roads at Butterfield Rd. then I90 has some work going on at the Fox River.

Take his advice. its not worth it otherwise.

PM me if you want further details. id be glad to assist

[Hitchhiker]

I'd route it this way:

[Pappy2Camp]

also.... on I80.. if you go a mile past I39 you will hit a Flying J

LaSalle
I-80 Rte 351 Exit 77

very easy to get back to I39 north

[Florida Panhandler]

Thank you one and all. This is the kind of info I was looking for. You renewed my confidence in the 80/90 route, even though it has tolls. Thanks again.

[patmsp]

My wife and I just moved from Minneapolis to Tennessee. We routinely go back and forth via the toll road. I found it easier to buy an I-Pass on-line and use it in the RV. If you think that you may be using I-Pass tollroads on a regular basis it might make sense to get the pass and then not have to navigate the "on-off", pay as you go, toll booths. They're available on the internet for $10 and then you fill them on-line too.