Chicago is a city that never really slows down, but if there’s one time when things truly start to feel chaotic, it’s rush hour, which features a mix of early risers, late workers, and a whole lot of congestion. When you’re making plans for the day, you’ll want to have an idea of when and where traffic will be the worst to help you avoid frustration.
What Are Chicago’s Rush Hour Times?
Rush hour generally happens in Chicago at both ends of the day:
- Morning: 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., with the worst of the congestion around the 8:00 hour
- Evening: 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., peaking for about an hour when workers get off at 5:00
These time frames aren’t exact, though. Weather, construction, and major events can shift the intensity and duration of rush hour.
Why Is Traffic So Bad During Rush Hour?
There are a few reasons why rush hour is such a headache.
Nearly 2.7 million people live in Chicago. Add in the residents from the surrounding suburbs, and you have millions more who travel in and out of the city every day. A lot of them use Interstates 90, 94, 290, and 55 to get back and forth, creating natural bottlenecks.
Even though some residents use the CTA trains and buses, road traffic is still heavy with personal vehicles and taxis. With rideshare services becoming increasingly popular, traffic has gotten worse over time. Throw in a little snow, rain, or heavy wind, and that heavy traffic tends to slow down.
Any one or a combination of these factors can add hours to the work commute. With so much traffic, car accidents are common, and that can slow things down even more. Pedestrians and cyclists are also at a greater risk of getting hurt during these hours if impatient drivers ignore traffic signs or aren’t paying attention.
Worst Roads for Rush Hour Traffic
Certain areas of town are notorious for rush hour standstills.
If you can, try to avoid these roads at peak times:
- The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/I-94) is one of the worst traffic chokepoints, especially around O’Hare and downtown
- The Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/I-94 Southbound) is a major route for commuters coming from the South Side
- The Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) is known for slow-moving traffic between the Loop and the western suburbs
- Lakeshore Drive (U.S. 41) has beautiful views, but it’s a nightmare during rush hour, particularly near Grant Park and Navy Pier
If you absolutely have to drive these routes, be prepared for delays.
Best Ways To Avoid Rush Hour
It’s not possible to dodge bad traffic completely, but there are steps you can take to at least make it manageable.
Shifting your commute so you’re driving in Chicago outside of peak times can save a lot of hassle. Public transit is a good alternative to taking your own car, especially near the downtown area. If possible, consider working remotely. Hybrid or at-home working schedules have become an increasingly popular option.
Also, while major highways are generally easier routes to remember, there’s no law that says you have to use them. Because so many people drive the main roads, the side streets are much easier to get through more quickly. This was tougher to do before GPS, but now tools like Google Maps and Waze can help people avoid those congested highways.
Navigate Rush Hour Like a Pro
Rush hour in Chicago is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. When you know a few tricks, you can work around the worst headache-inducing situations that pop up. Regardless of how you’re getting around, a little planning can go a long way in avoiding the worst of the city’s gridlock.
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