Driving from Merrillville to Governors State (Chicago, Chicago Heights: neighborhoods, university, moving)

[summer22]

Looks like I'll be making a daily commute from Merrillville, IN to Governors State University (University Park) for a bit. Could be AM/PM rush commuting with some late evenings thrown in there.

Google Maps is suggesting US 30 to Sauk Trail (Sauk Trail originates around Dyer, IN), then westbound from there on Sauk Trail. The last leg of the trip you switch over to a different road for a few miles.

I'm noticing a few different east-west arterials - US 30 goes through, as does Sauk Trail, Steger Road, and Exchange Street. Another choice is going north on the Indiana side up to Interstate 80 and then back south on the Illinois side.

Five different options. I don't know if I want to be crossing through Ford Heights and Chicago Heights during late evenings. Also want to try to find a route that's usually well cleared/salted when we have snow. Time or mileage is not a big consideration. I don't mind adding 15-20 minutes to the drive if I feel more comfortable.

I'm familiar with I-80 and US-30. Have never made the drive on the other three. Never heard of Exchange before I started looking at the maps. Goal is to stay out of rough neighborhoods and stay off untreated roads. Is there a clear choice?

[Dr. Blish]

Originally Posted by summer22

Looks like I'll be making a daily commute from Merrillville, IN to Governors State University (University Park) for a bit. Could be AM/PM rush commuting with some late evenings thrown in there.

Google Maps is suggesting US 30 to Sauk Trail (Sauk Trail originates around Dyer, IN), then westbound from there on Sauk Trail. The last leg of the trip you switch over to a different road for a few miles.

I'm noticing a few different east-west arterials - US 30 goes through, as does Sauk Trail, Steger Road, and Exchange Street. Another choice is going north on the Indiana side up to Interstate 80 and then back south on the Illinois side.

Five different options. I don't know if I want to be crossing through Ford Heights and Chicago Heights during late evenings. Also want to try to find a route that's usually well cleared/salted when we have snow. Time or mileage is not a big consideration. I don't mind adding 15-20 minutes to the drive if I feel more comfortable.

I'm familiar with I-80 and US-30. Have never made the drive on the other three. Never heard of Exchange before I started looking at the maps. Goal is to stay out of rough neighborhoods and stay off untreated roads. Is there a clear choice?

Sauk Trail is an excellent choice. Don’t let Ford Heights or Chicago Heights worry you either though. US 30 is a major cross country highway and even during late evenings, it is perfectly fine to travel through both communities.

Due to all the truck traffic and tolls, I would avoid the I-65 to I-80 to I-57 route. There is also a nasty crossing at Governors Hwy and the main road leading to GSU from the west that is well known for backups due to the Metra station.

Steger Rd is a good choice as well. Exchange Ave is ok, but the only downside is that it is only one lane in each direction and you may end up stuck behind a slow moving farm vehicle. I would note however that using Exchange, Sauk Trail, and Steger may result in getting caught by a freight train near IL- route 1, but that is about it. US -30 does not have this problem because of the viaduct near East End Ave. All routes are plowed in the winter. Hope this helps!

[summer22]

Originally Posted by Dr. Blish

Hope this helps!

Thank you!! This is a big help.