Driving Cost from Cary, Illinois to New Lenox, Illinois

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The Cost of a Trip Between Cary, Illinois and New Lenox, Illinois

If you're planning a trip from Cary, Illinois, to New Lenox, Illinois, one of the first things you'll likely consider is how much it's going to cost you. There are a variety of factors to take into account when determining the cost of a trip, including distance, gas prices, and potential tolls. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between Cary and New Lenox, as well as highlight the different possible routes you can take.

Possible Routes

There are a few different routes you can take when traveling from Cary to New Lenox. The most direct route is to take IL-31 South to IL-176 West, then merge onto US-14 West, which will take you straight into New Lenox. This route is about 43 miles and would take approximately 54 minutes with normal traffic.

Another option is to take I-90 West to I-290 West, then merge onto I-355 South. From here, you can take the US-6/Lincoln Hwy exit, turn left, and continue onto US-6/Lincoln Hwy until you reach New Lenox. This route is slightly longer, at about 49 miles, but it may offer less traffic. The estimated driving time is around 56 minutes.

The third option is to take I-90 West to I-294 South. From there, you can take the exit for IL-43/La Grange Road and head south on La Grange Road until you reach New Lenox. This route is the longest, at about 64 miles, but it may be a good option if you're looking to avoid tolls on I-355 or if there's heavy traffic on US-14. The estimated driving time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Gas Prices

Gas prices can fluctuate quite a bit from day to day and even from station to station. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Illinois is around $3.25 per gallon. However, it's always a good idea to check gas prices in your specific area before embarking on a lengthy journey.

Assuming an average gas price of $3.25 per gallon, we can estimate the cost of gas for each of the possible routes:

  1. The direct route via US-14 West and IL-176 West would require about 1.9 gallons of gas, costing around $6.18.
  2. The route via I-290 West, I-355 South, and US-6/Lincoln Hwy would require about 2.2 gallons of gas, costing around $7.15.
  3. The route via I-294 South and La Grange Road would require about 2.9 gallons of gas, costing around $9.42.

Toll Expenses

In addition to gas prices, it's important to consider any potential toll expenses when planning your trip. Toll prices can vary depending on the specific route you take and the time of day you're traveling.

If you take the second route we outlined, which involves I-290 and I-355, you can expect to pay a few tolls along the way. As of September 2021, the tolls on I-355 range from $0.90 to $1.90, depending on your vehicle type and whether you have an I-PASS. The total cost of tolls on this route could be around $3-$6.

If you take the direct route via US-14 West, you likely won't encounter any tolls. However, if you opt for the longer route via I-294 South, you may encounter a few tolls along the way. As of September 2021, the tolls on this route range from $0.70 to $1.50, depending on your vehicle type and whether you have an I-PASS. The total cost of tolls on this route could be around $2-$4.

Based on distance, estimated driving time, and cost of gas and tolls, we would recommend taking the direct route via US-14 West and IL-176 West. This route is the shortest in terms of distance and also has the lowest estimated cost of gas and tolls. While it may not be the fastest route in terms of driving time, it's still a reasonable option and may be more convenient for some travelers.

Conclusion

When planning a trip between Cary and New Lenox, there are a variety of factors to consider, including distance, gas prices, toll expenses, and potential traffic. By breaking down the different possible routes and estimating the associated costs, we hope to have provided you with some helpful information as you plan your journey. Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your individual priorities and preferences. Safe travels!