Interstate 80 to Nappannee

[cyko]

I need to go from Des Moines to Nappannee, IN next week. I am concerned about taking Interstate 80 south of Chicago. I've done it once before without much trouble but I keep hearing what a horror show it is and I am getting a little reluctant. Anyone have any advice, and if the advice is to find a southern route, any advice on what that route ought to be? Thanks

[cyko]

I need to go from Des Moines to Nappannee, IN next week. I am concerned about taking Interstate 80 south of Chicago. I've done it once before without much trouble but I keep hearing what a horror show it is and I am getting a little reluctant. Anyone have any advice, and if the advice is to find a southern route, any advice on what that route ought to be? Thanks

[rebelsbeach]

Been that way several times without too much trouble...Wouldn't do it any other way from Des Moines to Nappanee..

Was actually in nearby Johnston,IA at the Summit Products shop.

[MrG]

The time of day and day of the week will be the biggest items to consider. Most construction is finished on 80/94 but sometimes a big headache approaching I-65 construction. Avoid 94 eastbound on friday after 12 noon or any weekday after 3 pm to be clear of any backups or just stay in left lane and relax through that area, JG.

[Route 66]

Next time, I'll find a more southern route, as once was enough for me in that traffic jam.

[jfb]

I have three approaches to potentially difficult driving situations:
1. Attack the problem early Sunday morning;
2. Adopt the attitude that some times it's better to "...rush in where angels fear to tread";
3. Convince, or attempt to, the wife that she's as safe as if she was at home in her mother's arms.

No. 3 never works; No. 1 always works; No. 2 is sometimes exciting, but at least you tried!!!

[rebelsbeach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Route 66:
Next time, I'll find a more southern route, as once was enough for me in that traffic jam. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

As you're not usually fond of Interstates that sounds like a plan...

[Cruzer]

They've been doing lots of work on I-80 and the Tri-State tollway over the last few years. Relocating the toll booths off to the side in order to implement "Open Road" tolling created huge traffic jams. Also, the I-80 work adjacent to I-294 wasextensive. But, for the most part that's all over and traffic is flowing much better. At least as good as it can when you have that many vehicles try to skirt around the city.

Timing is always the best bet. If we run that area after 9 PM on a weeknight it's not so bad. Also, prior to 6 AM on a weekday works too. Sundays are best but you still don't want to hit the peak times.

Unfortunately, there are no quick and easy alternatives for us if we go from Wisconsin to Indiana.

[Jestme13]

I'm with Cruzer, timing is everything getting past Chi town.

[cyko]

Thanks to everyone for the information. I think I'll give it a go and try to time it according to the advice given.

[RJRobb]

I was just on I-57 and I-80 to Michigan City this week. There may be backups for traffic going onto I-65 southbound. Otherwise traffic was moving along. Most traffic was truckers.

May want to double check your plans for Nappannee after the tornado Thursday night.

[cyko]

I just heard about the tornados today. I saw the pictures; looks like they were very lucky no one was killed. I plan on being near there Thursday to pick up some RV furniture; the shop that made it was luckily missed by the tornado. I was planning to stay at Goshen the night before; I hope the roads will be open through Nappanee.

[rebelsbeach]

According to several Newmar owners from iRV2 who are in the area, the roads around Nappanee are clear..

I'm flying into South Bend and driving down to Nappanee on Tuesday evening....

[cyko]

I drove I80 across south Chicago this morning about 10:00. Traffic was not very heavy and I ran into no problems. My GPS helped me with some of the exits and turns.