PA to Sout Dakota - Custer. Do I really need to avoid Chicago and how?
- Thread starter KandT
- Start date
The friendliest place on the web for anyone with an RV or an interest in RVing!
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
ArdraF
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2006
- Posts
- 10,695
The road "flattens out" about the time you reach Ohio. There may be some rolling hills but nothing like in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Can't tell you about conditions around Chicago. It was pretty bad with huge construction projects for a couple of years but I think those are completed. Someone else will chime in I'm sure.
ArdraF
ArdraF
Road construction doesn't stop, it just moves. Chicago is like any other city, it's all about timing. I-80 shouldn't be too bad outside of rush hours, but it can get backed up for sure. You can take I-80 W to I-39 N to avoid the city, or take the I-294 or I-355 options.
taoshum
Well-known member
ip076 said:
Like most cities, if you go thru about 9am on a Sunday morning, traffic will most likely be light and construction at a lull. We heard horror stories about SLC during the week but on Sunday morning, very light traffic and we sailed thru without even a ripple. Same for Dallas/Ft. Worth and Atlanta.
UTTransplant
Well-known member
Just remember that the speed limit for all vehicles with toads or trailers is 55 mph through Illinois. The Chicago area specializes in speed cameras, and the ticket cost is very high. Don't even think about exceeding the posted speed by even 1 mph.
I always try to go through Chicago between 10 and 2. It isn't fun even then, but better than other times. It always seems like the entire city is a construction zone.
I always try to go through Chicago between 10 and 2. It isn't fun even then, but better than other times. It always seems like the entire city is a construction zone.
Gods Country
Well-known member
Definitely flattens out in western Pa.
Alternatively you can take the 39N route (as suggested).
When we head out that way we are staying west on 80 and north on 29 to 90. I think it was an hour longer.
Works for me.
Alternatively you can take the 39N route (as suggested).
When we head out that way we are staying west on 80 and north on 29 to 90. I think it was an hour longer.
Works for me.
UTTransplant said:
UTTransplant
Apparently you haven't driven in Illinois for quite awhile.
The speed limit for vehicles pulling trailers or toads in Illinois, (NOT through Chicago), is now 70 mph on rural interstates, (NOT through Chicago)... 65 mph on other 4 lane divided highways, and 55 mph on all other highways.
UTTransplant
Well-known member
Thanks! I used to live in Iowa, and I stopped going to places in Illinois because of their previous speed limits for trailers. I looked up the change in the law (2014) and found this quote from an IDOT spokesperson:mel s said:
"?Under the new law, large trucks can continue to travel at the same posted speed limit as automobiles except in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, where the statutes restrict them to a maximum of 55 mph or the posted speed, whichever is less,? IDOT spokeswoman Paris Ervin said."
That exception seems to cover most of the Chicago area. At least it is better than it used to be.
mn blue skies II
Well-known member
I would try to stay off the toll roads thru Chicago. Seemed like a booth every other mile and they get a pretty penny every time. And we were only pulling a small TT.
Chet18013
Well-known member
Been through Chicago 4 weeks ago and only slowed down for IN toll way booth. This was on a Wednesday. Avoid all IL toll roads. I always try to hit that area between 10 & 2:30 if on a week day or Sunday mornings. Usually go through there twice a year and hate it, but to miss it you really have to go out of your way.
kjansen
Well-known member
If you decide to go thru Chicago, first get an ez-pass, then I would take I80 to 294 to 290 to I90. I try midday or after 8pm. We got thru there at least two times a year. Staying on I80 to I39 is longer route but less traffic and fewer toll booths.
