For people that live in Chicago...

[beckjg135]

I am driving from battle creek, MI to pick up a few buddies from midway , then Ohare -  Question is, how much delay in traffic should I expect? Its about 2 hr 45 to get to Midway from my place - I have never driven around Chicago, some local advice would help 🙂  I just want to give myself enough time but not be early to the airport. This will be around august, leaving at approx 630/7 am for context. his arrival is 1015A

Edited February 14, 2023 by beckjg135

[VNutz]

3 minutes ago, beckjg135 said:

I am driving from battle creek, MI to pick up a few buddies from midway , then Ohare -  Question is, how much delay in traffic should I expect? Its about 2 hr 45 to get to Midway from my place - I have never driven around Chicago, some local advice would help 🙂  I just want to give myself enough time but not be early to the airport. This will be around august, leaving at approx 630/7 am for context. his arrival is 1015A

Lots of variables involved. Weekday/weekend? What's the exact date? Traffic tends to get a touch busier when school lets back in. Summer construction can/will be an issue as well, but I have no idea the exact plans. I would anticipate a slowdown as you approach the IN/IL border with slower traffic as you get into IL on 80/294. Traffic on I-55 will likely be slow as well at that time of day, but probably opening up after rush hour. I've never come that way at that time of day, but I'd assume you might get directed to go downtown, then out via 55. Generally I'd advise against that to avoid downtown snarl, but see what the options give you.

 

My advice would be to map out the route via phone multiple times in the weeks leading up to the flight. Being late isn't the worst thing in the world, Midway has decent food and drink options for its size. Being early, there's not much to do to kill time around there IMO.

[Springsteennut]

Traffic will definitely slow as you get to the border. I go down to the University of Chicago hospital several times a year. I come from the opposite direction as you are. Traffic is always very heavy coming from Indiana even as late as noon. I would definitely allow more time going to Midway.  Midway to O’Hare should take less than an hour depending on any road construction that might be going on. The ride back to Michigan if that’s where you’re heading after you pick up your friends will probably be a long haul if you’re heading back later in the afternoon.

[beckjg135]

Heading over on a weekday, believe it will be Wednesday morning - also for context - driving over to sand valley from Michigan. thanks for the tips, just looking to avoid the heavy heavy traffic if i can when i roll into chicago

[CRDuffy21]

My advice, is take the Skyway (I-90) - it always seems to be faster and accident free. It is a toll road so be prepared to pay (and it's not cheap) but how valuable is your time sitting in a parking lot, better known as a highway. Stay on the highways as some of the areas off the highway near Midway are dicey at best. I know Waze and Google Maps like to divert you off the highway, having lived there for 35 years and recently moved to Michigan, I never took surface roads to get to Midway until I got close. 

 

If you're a sports guy, tune in to ESPN 1000AM or the Score 670AM and enjoy the Bears/Super Bowl Champs banter that will inevitably be happening as we get close to football season again.