I started my cross country try with my friend today. We are going from MA to San Francisco. We went from Boston area to Erie PA today. Tomorrow, we hope to get about 100-150 mi past Chicago. here's the question. We want to AVOID Chicago traffic. By looking at a map, it appears that we can pick up I 294 off of I90(we are super stabbing it to CA). Is I294 a good option. Our next stay(in 1-2 days) is S. Dakota), so I 294 would be taking us in the direction desired. Just wanted to ask about this alternative...anyone who lives in this area who has input or anyone with experience with this issue???
Thanks,
Dave

 

I've always preferred to run 80W then north on 35 or 29 to 90. 29 is prone to flooding so check conditions prior to heading that way.

 

I guess, I understand that you two are making a deviation riding from Boston to San Francisco. As a direct route would keep you two on I-80 and never touching the State of South Dakota. So are you taking I-294, to I-94, to get on I-90 so you can stay the night in South Dakota? Help me, help you...

 

Yea if you want to avoid Chicago traffic stay on 80W it will take you below the city.

 

Our ultimate destination is San Francisco. We have multiple stops prior to San Fran...Badlands, MT Rushmore, Yellowstone. Just looking to avoid the craziness of Chicago-related traffic without adding a lot of extra time.
Thanks

 

Stay on I-80 to Omaha, and shoot up I-84 to I-90. It is a more direct route to I-90, doing it around Chicago makes it an indirect route unless you plan on stopping at the Harley-Davidson Museum, in Milwaukee. In the case of the latter, just hit Chicago the traffic really isn't that bad, you'll be fine.

 

Just an idea to consider because getting through Chicago area really sucks. Motorcycles ride free this time of year. Check the schedule...may work for you and be fun.
http://www.lake-express.com/

 

If you stay on I-80 through Chicago, catch the River Road at Davenport, Ia. and go north to Dubuque to Hiway 20 west. Hiway 20 is 4 lane all the way across Iowa except for about the last 30 mile to Sioux City. Great road, little traffic. At Sioux City catch I-29N to Sioux Falls and I-90W. CAUTION- Watch for mobile speed camera's on I-29 in Sioux City. If you have the time, plan on a day or two in the Black Hills. Lots of great riding up there.

 

I don't want to highjack this thread but..... I will be making the same trip myself in a couple months. Also want to avoid the worst of Chicago traffic. I was looking at taking route 30 (Lincoln Highway) south of Chicago as far as Rt 39. Travelling north on 39 up to Rockland and picking up to Route 20 there. Does this make sense? Or is there a better route around Chicago. We want to spend the night in Dubuque before making the trek to Sioux City along Rt. 20.

 

I live at the Wisconsin/Illinois Line...I Go into Chicago a few times a month...as long as you pass through ANYTIME but 6am-830am and 3pm-5pm...traffic is not bad at all. If you try to loop around you will loose vaulable time. I would suggest staying on I294 and meeting back up to I94 for Chicago pass through.

Worry more about Milwaukee...lots of construction. You may want to think about taking I90 head towards Madision WI and then picking up I94 there...a lot more scenery too.