commute from Downers Grove to Hoffman Estates (Elgin, Barrington: moving, commuting)

[nic978]

Can anyone with current commuting experience give me advice on the best route from Downers Grove to Hoffman Estates? Is there a better way than taking 355N to 290N? I'll be commuting during the standard rush hour so any advice or time estimates would be appreciated. I'm guessing it will take about 45 minutes but would love to hear from someone who's done this route recently. Thanks!

[OakBrookMom]

The fastest route is the expressways when they are moving, if it slows, don't get off until it is below 40MPH because you won't go faster on the backroads. If the radio says the expressway is jammed, I have taken 53 up through Itasca and then cut over to where I needed to be. Sometimes the expressway is great until you hit the 290 merge and then it jams so I get off on Thorndale (Elgin-Ohare) and take it west until you hit the major road near your office and take that up. If you are up by Barrington Rd & I-90 it will definitely take you 45 minutes.

[nic978]

Thank you very much!