It's been a while since I have been through Chicago. Does anyone have a suggestion? I'm willing to pay tolls if it's the best.
Milton
As someone who regularly runs a big rig into and around the Chicago area, I have to agree with the I-Pass suggestions. It reduces the time spent at those dang toll booths, which can be considerable when each stop is added up. As previously stated, get through before 3:00 PM at the absolute latest!
I usually take I-290 to I-294 as that where most of my loads go. I-355 can back up a little at the I-88 interchange but otherwise, it's smooth sailing. If you do take I-355 down to I-80 eastbound stay in the left lane once on I-80 when you get to the I-294/I-80 interchange at the 155 mile marker. There's a toll booth at this spot as well. The right lanes will either exit or merge with the left lane after the toll.
Then you'll join with I-94 a few miles later when I-294 ends. No big deal as you just remain on the same road. At this point, you're now on I-80/94. Then to get onto the I-80/90 toll road, take exit 16 north about 1/4 mile which is marked as I-80 Toll Road, IIRC. There's a service plaza one mile east of that point. Indiana has service plazas every 40 miles or so which are easy off and back on, much like a rest area, but with conveniences like snacks and soda pop etc, available.
Not sure of where you intend to exit to Defiance, as I've never taken that route before. Looking at my trusty map, Ohio Hwy 15 appears to go directly there from exit 13, albeit through few towns.
