Chicagoans: ? about getting to Chgo-Midway

[CarolynK]

In Highland Park, we are close to both Edens and 294. Our flight is this Friday at 5:25 pm. I would like to take Edens (because it IS closer to the airport), but people are scaring me about Friday afternoon traffic, and I don't want to leave too early because the kids are in school. I will be pulling them out at about 2:15.
We won't be checking bags and will have printed boarding passes the night before.
Opinions on Edens vs. 294, please

 

[HappyLawyer]

not really sure what your question is

 

[paladin]

Friday afternoon traffic will be bad either way, but I would definetly stay away from the Edens. I previously worked in Northbrook and took the Edens every day and Friday's were the worst, especially if the weather is bad. I left work at 2:30 and sometimes even then was bad. Of course, 294 can also be a pain. Well, that was no help, was it. I would suggest listening to the traffic that day and see how things are shaping up (on the radio 780am has traffic every 10 minutes on the 8's)

 

[CarolynK]

Thanks, Paladin. I appreciate the response.

 

[BCV23]

Carolyn, you can also get an idea of traffic online. I can't remeber the link offhand but if you google Chicago traffic you will find it. It shows current congestion and is more thorough than the radio reports in our experience.

I did want to warn you about Midway. Cicero gets really backed up near rush hour. I think this starts as early as 3pm in that area. We have also found security at Midway to be slower than O'Hare. As a former teacher I understand keeping your children in school as late as possible but I would be a little nervous with that late of a start.

Have a wonderful vacation.

 

[EdDome]

The Edens is closer to MDW but consider that you'll need to go through the loop to either the Dan Ryan or Stevenson expressways to get to the airport. Outbound from the loop is heavier traffic especially on a Friday. When I've taken 294 south, I haven't found it terribly bad before 3:00. As BCV23 mentioned, Cicero traffic can be heavy and the security lines can be very slow. Depending on where you park could further delay you. I think you could be cutting it close.

 

[Kirsten77]

I drive 294 every day to work and home. I leave at 4:30 and it usually takes me 35 minutes to get home and I live 25 miles away and I'm going with the heavy traffic. Since the construction on the tolls are finally done, I would go with 294.