Is using the names for the Chicago-area Interstates dying out? (Normal: appointed, 2014)

[Missy2U]

Originally Posted by noid_1985

I normally say,
290 > Eisenhower
55> Stevenson
Dan Ryan> 90/94
Bishop Ford> 94
Kennedy> 90
Edens> 94
88=Ronald Reagan

Excellent list - thanks! This clarifies things for me too, and I have lived here 50+ years.


Oh - all I'd add is 294 = TriState.

[noid_1985]

Originally Posted by Missy2U

Excellent list - thanks! This clarifies things for me too, and I have lived here 50+ years.


Oh - all I'd add is 294 = TriState.

Yeah forgot about 294

[pvande55]

And how about the obscure tollway also known as the Elgin OHare = 390.

[SkylarkPhotoBooth]

Originally Posted by Missy2U

Oh - all I'd add is 294 = TriState.

The Tri-State Tollway is a particularly silly name, since it is entirely contained in one state.

[damba]

Originally Posted by SkylarkPhotoBooth

The Tri-State Tollway is a particularly silly name, since it is entirely contained in one state.

FWIW, ‘Tri State’ implies it connects three states- WI-IN-IL. [runs on 94/294/80 ]

[SkylarkPhotoBooth]

Originally Posted by damba

FWIW, ‘Tri State’ implies it connects three states- WI-IN-IL. [runs on 94/294/80 ]

I understand that, but that's true of any road that goes across multiple state lines, which is most highways in the US, and countless other roads. The toll road itself is still contained within Illinois. Any state toll road that goes all the way across a state between two other states (like those in Indiana, Ohio, or Pennsylvania) should be called "Tri State Tollway" by that logic.

[DavePa]

Originally Posted by SkylarkPhotoBooth

I understand that, but that's true of any road that goes across multiple state lines, which is most highways in the US, and countless other roads. The toll road itself is still contained within Illinois. Any state toll road that goes all the way across a state between two other states (like those in Indiana, Ohio, or Pennsylvania) should be called "Tri State Tollway" by that logic.

I don't think its just logic in choosing names? They didn't use All Presidents either. Chicagoland situated in a quadrant where suburbs go into Indiana and at least bordering Wisconsin with the length of Lake Michigan those coming from points north have to travel its length to continue eastward. Makes it a bit more unique as a corridor to give it the Tri-State name IMO. Of course it's no big deal. As for a toll-way not continuing? In PA interstate 80 is NOT a toll-road. But once in Ohio and Indiana it is as turnpikes. PA has a more southern route through the state as its turnpike.

No one seems to be saying.... these name uses are dying out as the OP ask? I'd say answer is a big NO. Why should they..... as each city has their choice. Many do names too. Just not all. Or lesser highways not interstates get names as in NYC with calling many of them Drives and Parkways naming them.

So the answer is ...

Originally Posted by lepoisson

I haven't even lived here a year and I constantly refer to the interstates by their nicknames, so I don't think it's going anywhere.

The thing is these Chicago names are not just nicknames? I don't believe they're just unofficial local jargon? But are Official Proper-names too. Once maps use names and even Goggle street-views? They probably are sealed and staying.

Seems though the Eisenhower gets a Chicago-Kansas City expressway name too? That seems newer? Both again Goggle maps use.

Maybe this is a subject for the Great Debates forum? Especially why call it a Tri-State .....

[Orangeish]

My 94 year old grandma and my parents (life Long residents) simply refer to 294 as the “tollway.” It kinda drives me crazy.

[Rhino4401]

I was totally mystified by WBBM traffic reports when I moved here! "The circle??" Might as well have been a foreign language. Only tuned in when trip involved LSD or O'Hare. I eventually figured out Ike, Edens, Ryan, but bec of GPS & marrying a local, my knowledge is no longer tested. Now I enjoy the quirky regionalism--the world is getting so homogenized, I appreciate vestiges of separate cultures--without the anxiety about getting where I need to go.

[Steve&Adam]

Originally Posted by RamenAddict

That’s not entirely true. The highest numbers tend to be beltways or offshoots of a main interstate. For example, Jacksonville’s beltway is 295 because it’s an offshoot of 95, even though it is way down south. Those offshoot numbers might repeat from one city to another. 294 is an offshoot of 94, 355 is an offshoot of 55, etc. Those don’t necessarily follow the odd/even format either since they are often beltways/offshoots.

There is a pattern, however, to the offshoots and beltways. If the first digit is odd, its a spur which does not re-join its parent highway, such as 355 or 190. If the first digit is even, its a loop or belt route, such as 290, 294 or 474 which is down in Peoria. Exceptions probably exist, of course.