best driving route to bypass traffic

[sandwalk]

I-90 to I-290 to I-355 to I-80 is the way I always take when I go to Ohio from Rockford; I usually don't mind the traffic that much (although some days you wonder why they are called "Expressways").

You'll probably add an extra 50 miles to your trip; but, if you really want to bypass Chicago and most of the suburbs, take I-39. Instead of continuing east on I-90 in Rockford, take the I-39 South exit and follow that interstate south to I-80 at LaSalle-Peru. Then just take I-80 east all the way to Indiana. You're basically in farm country the whole way (many semi trucks take this route to avoid north/west Chicagoland) until you get to the Joliet area.

[tcs1366]

I too looked up the 39 South out of Rockford, then pick up 74 [i think] route, going thru Indianapolis .... it would add a bit of travel time, but i'd imagine much less congestion.

and all that construction in Rockford should be completed by now. I last went thru the first week of Nov. Looked like the 39 interchange was almost done.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by threeputzzz

I could see doing that if getting to Chicagoland near rush hour, but late at night would 39 really be better than 90/290/355 or 90/290/294?

NO! Also no to I-74 if you need to stay on I-80/90 going east.

Late at night do 90 to 290 south to 294 south to 80 east. Construction on 294 is all done and bridge work on 294/290 is also done.
I like this route becasue you can stop at the oasis if you need gas or bathroom break instead of wandering off the Dan Ryan late at night if you need these services.