[Otter74]

Northbound 90/94 is usually fine by about 7PM. No express lanes on 294 - that's only on 90/94. two reversible lanes on the north side (currently set full-time to southbound) and on the south side from about 26th St. to 69th St. the whole freeway is split into local and express sections in both directions. I don't take 294 that often but it's a big project they're doing (not sure what - I don't follow it since I don't spend much time in the suburbs) so it's taking a while. Seems to be maintaining full lane capacity or close to it. If you go through the city on the return leg at midnight there will be minimal traffic everywhere and going through the city will may be faster. If for some reason you do end up going through it in the late morning (seriously, don't), you absolutely should use the express lanes from the first entrance. They're full-size lanes, but there isn't a shoulder. They always, always get you through faster than the local lanes under current conditions. From my home by Addison to the end of the express lanes at Ohio, the express lanes save me 15 minutes in the morning rush hour over about 4 miles. I hate driving to work but sometimes have to do it.