Heading to Twin Cities This Spring...Best Route Through Illinois?

[nwi_navigator_1181]

Good day to all of you.

This spring, the wife, son, and I are heading to the Twin Cities for a little getaway. While I do know my way up there, there's one trap zone in particular that I'm worried about.

The Jane Addams Tollway (I-90) is getting a revamp, and from what I've read, only one lane of Westbound traffic gets by near the Cherry Valley interchange. If this is true, what is the best route to use to avoid the inevitable stop down? Or do I simply stay the course?

Thank you all in advance for your responses.

[bobonabike]

Don't worry about it.

The existing westbound bridge over the Kishwaukee River isn't wide enough to carry two lanes of traffic in each direction, thus the reason there was only one westbound lane between Irene Road and Cherry Valley.

The new eastbound lanes are essentially complete.  In 2014, when all traffic is shifted onto the new eastbound pavement to allow reconstruction of the westbound lanes, the new Kishwaukee River bridge is wide enough to carry two lanes of traffic in each direction.

As someone who commutes 25 miles each way through the construction zone, I thought this year's construction went surprisingly well.

[Brandon]

I-80 west to I-355 north.  Take I-355 to I-88 west and then I-39 north.  You'll avoid the I-90 construction zone that way as well as O'Hare.

[hobsini2]

If you want to take a scenic route to the Twin Cities, I would encourage you to take either side of the Great River Rd from Dubuque to St Paul. Once you are at La Crosse/La Crecent, US 61 crosses the River and is much quicker on the Minnesota side than Wis 35 to US 10 near Prescott from La Crosse north.

Either way though is pretty.

[Joe The Dragon]

I-80 west to I-355 north.  Take I-355 to I-88 west and then I-39 north.  You'll avoid the I-90 construction zone that way as well as O'Hare.

can also take I-294 / I-94 / I-894 I think it's about 20 miles more then I-90

[nwi_navigator_1181]

Thank you all for your responses.

First off, if I were traveling solo, I'd love to travel the Great River Road. I'm sure there will be a day for that.

Now, as for the suggested alternatives, I based the routes on three attributes: time, distance, and tolls. The original route has a good toll rate, but traveling the tollway at a forced 55 mph just won't do it for me. Brandon's route has higher tolls, but is off the beaten path and has the new 70 mph rule for most of the route. It also only adds 30 miles to the trip.

Joe's route has the same distance as Brandon's and has the lowest toll total of the three routes. However, the run around Milwaukee and possible traffic increases adds an additional 30-45 minutes to the trip.

Going to Minnesota, I will take Brandon's route. Returning home, I'm debating between going through the work zone and taking Joe's route. Any other suggestions are definitely welcome.

[froggie]

Even with the construction, "staying the course" is probably the fastest way to go.  That said, if your goal is to minimize tolls, Brandon's route makes some sense.

Will be taking a trip to Minneapolis (my hometown) as well this spring, likely in early April.  As I'll be traveling solo, my goal will be somewhat different:  taking as many roads I've never been on before as feasible.

[texaskdog]

For things to do of course the Mall of America and Science Museum.  Duluth is even nicer but you only have so much time.

But of course...it's all about the roads!

[froggie]

Not always.  My trip will be more about BICYCLES! and family than roads.

[hbelkins]

As I'll be traveling solo, my goal will be somewhat different:  taking as many roads I've never been on before as feasible.

Virginia to Minnesota by way of Georgia and Arkansas. 

[JREwing78]

I've been going EBD through the construction zone; it's a lot less nerve-wracking now that they've put traffic on the new EBD carriageway. There's also obvious roadgeek value in watching the construction progress. Downside: 45mph speed limit for 40 miles - which almost nobody pays attention to. Here's hoping they boost speeds to 55mph soon.

WBD, I've been taking I-80 -> I-355 -> I-88 -> I-39 or I-80 -> I-294 -> I-88 -> I-39. They're both about the same in travel time and general levels of stress in driving through.