I-57 or I-65?

[living la vida mickey]

We drive from the Chicago area and always take I-65 through Indiana down to Nashville and then 24 to I -75. Is there an advantage to taking the I-57 route? That's what mapquest suggests and I can't see why. You go west to come east. Can someone who has done both enlighten me?

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

I-57 adds about 20 miles to the total trip length of about 1200 miles (1187 for us).
We have done both and greatly prefer I-57. Less traffic, (typically) less construction, plus you avoid the 80/94 thru Indiana (which is under construction, as always).

 

[Eeyore1954]

I've driven from Chicago to GA many times and I prefer I-57. To me it seems there are more places to stop for a break; better scenery; less hassle. I hate the loop around Indy (total pain).

On the downside, I have encountered the occasional accident -- once was so bad we were detoured off the interstate and had to travel about 30 miles around to get by the accident. And there were a few construction spots on my last trip in late February. But nothing like IN construction (where one can sit for hours!).

 

[weluvpluto]

We took I-57 for the first time last year (we're coming from Milwaukee) on the advice from other DISers and will take it from now on. For the little bit extra you travel you make up for it by missing 2 major cities (Indy and Louisville) and not having to go on I-80 which has been under construction for years
It just seemed much less stressful to not have a big city to deal with until Nashville (after we make it thru Chicago of course )

 

[living la vida mickey]

Thanks for the input. I think we'll try it next time.

 

[anabelle]

When I lived in Indiana, still chose I-57 over I-65, hands down

 

[ILPHIL]

Did the I-57 to I-24 route for about the fourth time. Doubt if we will EVER do I-65 again. As has been said, less traffic, a lot less stressful and the scenery in southern IL is much better.

On another note...gas prices were the best in KY and in GA. Paid $1.65 at a BP station in Paducah yesterday morning.

 

[weluvpluto]

Thanks for the info on the gas prices! (I would love to see a 1.65 around here, just going below the $2.00 mark was pretty exciting!)
We'll have to plan on getting gas in KY and then GA twice