290/90,94 which commute route is better (Chicago, Schaumburg: home, bus, commuting)

[dieschweiz]

It took me two hours to get to lincoln park from around O hare yesterday (5pm-7pm). I was totally freaked out by the commuting time on 90/94. Being new to this area, I was wondering if someone can tell me what's the better route? Is 290 better in rush hour traffic? Are there short cuts to get to Lincoln Park from O hare area? Thanks,

[Manigault]

Actually, 290 is not better from O'Hare, i.e. hooking up with 290 in Schaumburg. You should monitor the traffic reports closely on WBBM (780) and possibly take 294 in the O'Hare area south to 290 then east to Chicago. This will save you time only when there are severe backups on 90/94 to downtown. I-90 is the much more direct route. Try going south on Cumberland to Irving Park and then all the way east to Lake Shore Drive if 90/94 is backed up.

[dieschweiz]

Is that how you do it as a commuter? What's the average commute time during rush hours? What if you leave early (before 7am) and go home late (after 6:30pm)?

[mdz]

It will definitely be better at those times, but you could still run into backups. 290 would be worse and unlikely to be of much relief.

Depending where you're coming from, Touhy can be an option as well. But I'd stick to the expressways as much as you can, the side streets can drive you nuts

good luck

[Chicago60614]

Can you park at Rosemont or Cumberland and take the Blue Line to Logan Square? Then you can bus it over on the Diversey, Belmont or Fullerton busses.

Probably faster than driving, and you can sleep or read the paper/book.