Chicago experiences legendary traffic. The city is home to nearly three million residents spread across 77 communities, all trying to commute at similar times.

Most other cities have two simple peak periods. However, Chicago’s daily traffic is a constant reminder of its position as America’s third-largest metropolis, where residents, commuters, and tourists compete for limited road space throughout the day.

When Is The Morning Rush? 

Traffic buildup in the morning usually starts around 6:30 a.m. and continues until 9:30 a.m. The worst traffic happens between 7:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. This is when downtown workers and school traffic converge on major arteries like Lake Shore Drive and the Kennedy Expressway.

When Is The Evening Rush?

Chicago’s 4 p.m. commute costs drivers an average of 66 hours annually compared to driving during off-peak times. Traffic in the city starts to build up at around 3:00 p.m. when school hours end, and the roads are fully backed up between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with the worst delays happening between 4:30 and 5:45. 

Events That Worsen The Evening Rush

The following factors contribute to the Windy City’s infamous evening congestion:

  • Mass movement from Merchandise Mart offices closing
  • Accidents blocking major routes
  • Weather events, especially snow
  • Construction projects 
  • Cubs or Sox home games during baseball season
  • Special events at McCormick Place

Routes like the Dan Ryan and Stevenson Expressway see longer than usual slow-downs during the evening rush.

What Time Is Rush Hour Most Intense?

Chicago’s rush hour times peak between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., with 30-minute drives often taking up to 75 minutes. 

However, different corridors have their own peak times:

  • Southbound on Lake Shore Drive from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
  • Inbound on the Kennedy from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
  • Inbound on Eisenhower from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
  • Dan Ryan (I-94) from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

It’s worth noting that these times don’t correlate with the most dangerous periods for car accidents. Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) data shows that only 14% of fatal crashes occur during the typical morning and evening rush hours (7 a.m.—9 a.m. and 4 p.m.—6 p.m.), despite these periods having the highest traffic volumes. 

Chicago Routes With The Worst Rush Hour Traffic

Here’s how some of the city’s main routes contribute to the gridlock:

The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94)

The Kennedy Expressway is Chicago’s most congested route, especially near O’Hare International Airport. Getting stuck in traffic on this highway can turn your 30-minute trip into a two-hour standstill during peak times.

Lake Shore Drive

Driving patterns on Lake Shore Drive are affected by its traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. During summer festivals or Cubs games, it often becomes immobile between Belmont and Roosevelt.

The Eisenhower (I-290)

This route has heavy commercial traffic, which means you’re likely to witness a truck accident. The segment between Mannheim Road and downtown experiences the worst traffic during morning hours.

When Is Rush Hour On Weekends?

While not as inconvenient, Chicago still experiences mini-rush hours on weekends, especially during summer. Saturday traffic tends to peak between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., while Sunday sees increased congestion between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. This often happens when events overlap.

How To Beat Rush Hour In Chicago

It’s almost impossible to avoid Chicago’s traffic entirely, but you can try to beat rush hour by taking the “L” train or the Blue Line from O’Hare to downtown, potentially cutting your drive time to Chicago, Illinois, by half. To really move efficiently in Chicago, however, it’s important to understand when and where traffic happens.

Contact our Car Accident Law Firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:

Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
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Chicago, IL 60610

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