Chicago - MDW to John Hancock Observatory in 30 minutes doable?

Hi, I have a question. Do you think it is possible to get John Hancock Observatory from MDW in 30 minutes around 6PM? How is the traffic on I-55 around this time of weekday in general? Thanks in advance.

Hi, I have a question. Do you think it is possible to get John Hancock Observatory from MDW in 30 minutes around 6PM? How is the traffic on I-55 around this time of weekday in general? Thanks in advance.

It's possible, but pushing it. That's going to be close to 20 minutes with no traffic. When going in on the Stevenson (55), most of the traffic will be getting off at the Ryan (90/94), so there can be backups in all lanes for a bit there where the traffic is all getting over into the exit lanes. You want to continue to Lake Shore Drive, but that can still slow you up some. Then it'll depend on how bad the traffic on LSD through Grant Park is. 30 may happen, but I think 40 is more likely.

Oh, check your date for a Cubs night game. If there is one, that screws up traffic on LSD too (and the Ryan won't be any better).

It's possible, but pushing it. That's going to be close to 20 minutes with no traffic. When going in on the Stevenson (55), most of the traffic will be getting off at the Ryan (90/94), so there can be backups in all lanes for a bit there where the traffic is all getting over into the exit lanes. You want to continue to Lake Shore Drive, but that can still slow you up some. Then it'll depend on how bad the traffic on LSD through Grant Park is. 30 may happen, but I think 40 is more likely.

Oh, check your date for a Cubs night game. If there is one, that screws up traffic on LSD too (and the Ryan won't be any better).



Thank you for the input. I hope cabs in Chicago have GPS with live traffic updates.

Thank you for the input. I hope cabs in Chicago have GPS with live traffic updates.

<snicker>I've seen a handful that do. the vast majority do not.

Don't think you are going to make it. Traffic on 55 might not be bad. The last two miles though on 90/94 will be terrible. That might take 20 minutes itself. You could take LSD or city streets but they will all be slow.

personally I think the Orange Line might be faster. I'd guess 22 minutes to harrison, 5 minutes to change to red line, 5 minutes on red line and 3 minutes walk from Chicago and state.

It's hard for me to see how a taxi would be much faster than the Orange Line, and at that time of day you really might get delayed one way or another in a vehicle.

You could maybe shave a few minutes off hindukid's method by taking a cab for the last bit. My guess is that best would be MDW-Roosevelt (online scheduler says 21 minutes) and then about 8-10 minutes once you grab a cab (one block east and then less than 3 miles N). If traffic is not bad, cabs drive fast.

Don't forget that you might have to wait a few minutes at MDW for the Orange Line and it takes a couple minutes to walk there.

Sounds like The Amazing Race!

Honestly, the only way this would be possible, is if you made the trip around 2AM.

It takes a good 10 minutes to get to I-55 from MDW (Cicero is loaded with stoplights, potholes, broken down cars, etc.). It's 10-12 minutes from Cicero & I-55 to LSD & Illinois St. exit. Then probably 5 minutes to JH from there, again in city blocks with stoplights.

This is assuming you are moving at 55-65 mph on the I-55 portion, and that there are no major traffic hold-ups on the local roads.

At 6pm, there will be traffic (there is no such thing anymore in Chicago as a "reverse commute;" during rush hour, there is traffic in all directions.

Sorry. I meant change at Roosevelt not Harrison.

Honestly, the only way this would be possible, is if you made the trip around 2AM.add another person to the not possible camp. As others have suggested Orange Line is your best bet at the time of day you mention but doubtful you'll meet your 30 minute time limit.

It's 10-12 minutes from Cicero & I-55 to LSD & Illinois St. exit. Then probably 5 minutes to JH from there, again in city blocks with stoplights.

<nitpick>you'd be better to go to Chicago Ave and make the left off LSD at the light if the traffic isn't backed up from the light (hit or miss at 6pm), you can actually avoid all lights that way and just hit a couple stop signs.</nitpick>

<nitpick>you'd be better to go to Chicago Ave and make the left off LSD at the light if the traffic isn't backed up from the light (hit or miss at 6pm), you can actually avoid all lights that way and just hit a couple stop signs.</nitpick>

That turn left exit to Chicago Ave from LSD is a danger zone. The left turn lane is not long enough to hold traffic when it's backed up and cars are known to be at a complete stop right after the Randolph St entrance to LSD that comes in from the left side

Oh and back to topic, count me as #3 who thinks you will not make it, with or without traffic, car or cab or Orange Line

No, too tight. Sears tower perhaps.