Is I-80 construction south of Chicago still a mess?

[Burt Munro]

Jeff/Moderators: feel free to move this to a different category if you feel it would be more appropriate elsewhere.

Looking for info on travel to Gingerman for the end of the month.  I haven't been through all the construction on I-80 between I-57 & I-65 since last October.

Are the delays still as bad?  worse?  Best to do anything to avoid the area?

Appreciate any info.  I'm thinking others coming from Illinois/Wisconsin will appreciate it also.

[dylanfan53]

Is the pope Catholic?   

The construction scene is the worst I've seen around there ever. If you're coming east on I-80, the section from Kedzie to 294 south (tri-state) is the worst.  It all goes down to one lane just past the toll booth.  Last weekend that little stretch alone took about 45 min to one hour, often in standstill traffic.  In 100 degree heat, I had to turn off the a/c and blast the heater to keep from overheating.  I-294 itself is still under construction on the south end but usually, kinda sorta, moves along once you're on it unless there's an accident.  Once you're in Indiana it isn't so bad.
As far as alternatives, there really aren't any.  If you get off I-80 and go south to get to Route 30 east and then north on 41 or I-65 it will probably take you at least as long.  I tried that a few weeks ago.   
Some of the ramps at the I-294 and I-94 interchange are also katty wompoodled.  Depending where you're coming from, you may have to go past the exchange to the next exit and double back.
Wish I had better news but there just isn't any. 

[spyderchick]

Some of the ramps at the I-294 and I-94 interchange are also katty wompoodled.

Is that a technical term?

Yup, Rhiannon had to go through there and it took her over 8 hours from Milwaukee to Ohio.

[jer271]

YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS.  Go through at night on 294 to 80 I go through it 3 times a week sometimes.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Ya figured with all the freaking tolls, they could make those roads last for 10 yrs without needing repair.

[weggieman]

went through there last wednesday at about 6:00 p.m.  going east and it wasn't bad. milwaukee to columbus, oh in under 8 hours. coming back at 4:00a.m. friday it was about the same. maybe i was just lucky but i didn't think it was too bad for all the work going on.

[dylanfan53]

Is that a technical term?

Katty Wompoodled...don't know if I spelled it right but it's straight from my Alabama Grandpap (RIP).  Might not find it in the dictionary though.  Grandpap always said them scalawags and rapscallions only print the yankee tongue. 

[KBOlsen]

"Catty-Wampus"?

[gkotlin]

I think you can go the IDOT (Illinois department of transportation) website and get information on lane closures.  Sometimes the night is not a good idea.   The day usually blows.  The early evening can be even worse depending on the direction your going.  Sometimes overnight is the worst!  They'll close many lanes to get work done and though the volume of traffic is less, the lanes are much less as well.

This is the traffic hotline they've setup.  Put it in your phone!   1-312-222-9456

I think we should petition to change the official state color to Safety Orange.

[Super Dave]

Is the Skyway a good alternative?

I'm headed to Grattan next weekend, then Mid Ohio from Milwaukee...

[jer271]

Comming west it is usally OK Dave getting to it from the east it is usually very backed up. Good Luck,  Just take the Bypass 294. My dad waz stuck down there yeasterday for 3 hrs because of the construction on 94-water on the road was the ultimate problem. It will cost u 10 dollars to go around And if you want Ill trade anyone toll bills for one week. Ill spend about 150 to 230 a week guys so chicago isnt all that bad

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Ill spend about 150 to 230 a week guys so chicago isnt all that bad

What the hell do you do? Make laps around the toll booth?