Dan Ryan Expressway facts for kids
The Dan Ryan Expressway is a very important freeway in Chicago, Illinois. A freeway is a big road designed for fast travel, with no traffic lights or stops. This busy road helps people travel from downtown Chicago through the city's South Side. It connects with other major roads like I-290 at the Circle Interchange.
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What is the Dan Ryan Expressway?
The Dan Ryan Expressway is a major road that carries a lot of traffic every day. It's known for being one of the busiest roads in the United States! It helps people get around Chicago quickly, whether they are going to work, school, or visiting friends and family.
How Long is the Dan Ryan?
The Dan Ryan Expressway is about 11.47 miles (18.5 km) long in total. That's like driving from one end of a big city to the other!
Different Road Names
For part of its journey, the Dan Ryan Expressway is known by two different names: Interstate 94 and Interstate 90. This dual designation runs south to 66th Street, covering about 7.44 miles (11.97 km). After 66th Street, it becomes just Interstate 94. This is where it separates from the Chicago Skyway, which continues as Interstate 90. The remaining part of the Dan Ryan, as just I-94, is about 4.03 miles (6.49 km) long.
Who Was Dan Ryan, Jr.?
The expressway is named after a person called Dan Ryan, Jr.. He was an important leader in Cook County, where Chicago is located. He used to be the president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. This board helps manage the county's government and services, like roads and public buildings. Naming the expressway after him was a way to honor his contributions to the area.
Images for kids
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The Dan Ryan Expressway West Leg (now more commonly referred to as I-57) at Genoa Road in 1970
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Northbound Dan Ryan Expressway near 51st Street
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Expressway at night
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View looking north towards the Chicago Loop from the Dan Ryan Expressway. 'L' tracks can be seen in the median.
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Heavy traffic in 1973
