Driving up from Indy to Glencoe

Question

Considering flying in due to road construction. How bad is driving after 7 pm weeknight.

Answer

Driving from Indianapolis to Glencoe, IL on a weeknight after 7 pm can be significantly easier than daytime driving, primarily because you'll miss the bulk of Chicago rush hour traffic. Most of the heavy congestion on I-65, I-90, and I-94 occurs between 4 pm and 7 pm, so leaving after 7 pm typically allows for smoother travel through the suburbs and the city.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Road construction: Chicago-area highways frequently have ongoing construction projects. Some lane closures may remain in effect after 7 pm, which can cause minor delays, though they are generally less severe than during the daytime.
Weather conditions: Weeknight drives in the evening can mean reduced visibility, so check the forecast for rain or fog that could slow traffic.
Interstate congestion: While the bulk of rush hour is over, you may still encounter some slower traffic around toll plazas or areas where multiple interstates converge, especially near downtown Chicago.

Tips for a smoother drive:

Use a navigation app with real-time traffic to monitor construction zones and incidents.
Consider minor detours around high-traffic areas like O’Hare and downtown if your GPS suggests them.
Keep in mind that service areas are less crowded in the evening, so stopping for food or gas is easier.

Overall, driving after 7 pm is a reasonable option and should save you the stress of peak rush hour, though it won’t eliminate construction-related slowdowns entirely. Flying is an alternative if you want to completely avoid the risk of delays, but evening driving is generally manageable.