Interstate 290 includes key auxiliary routes in Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York—each serving distinct metro areas like Chicago, Worcester, and Buffalo. Learn about the Eisenhower Expressway, Worcester connector, and Buffalo bypass that carry the I-290 designation.
Interstate 290 (I-290) is the designation for multiple auxiliary highways in the United States, each serving a different urban area and providing vital regional connectivity. While the number is shared among several routes, the most notable and heavily trafficked is the I-290 in Illinois, serving the Chicago metropolitan area.
This segment of I-290 begins in the heart of downtown Chicago at the Circle Interchange (now known as the Jane Byrne Interchange), where it connects with I-90 and I-94. Known locally as the Eisenhower Expressway or “the Ike,” it runs westward through the western suburbs, passing through areas like Oak Park and Elmhurst before terminating at I-90 in Schaumburg. It is a heavily traveled commuter route and a crucial corridor for accessing downtown Chicago from the suburbs. Due to its urban setting, it often experiences significant traffic congestion and has undergone major reconstruction efforts to improve capacity and safety.
In Massachusetts, I-290 serves the Worcester region, providing a northeast-southwest bypass through the city. It begins at I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) near Auburn and extends to I-495 in Marlborough. This highway facilitates east-west travel across central Massachusetts and serves as an important feeder to both the Mass Pike and the outer loop of the Greater Boston area. Unlike its Illinois counterpart, the Massachusetts I-290 traverses more hilly terrain and offers scenic urban views of Worcester.
The I-290 in New York, also known as the Youngmann Memorial Highway, functions as a northern bypass of Buffalo. It links I-190 near Tonawanda to I-90 (New York State Thruway) in Williamsville. This corridor is vital for travelers heading from Niagara Falls to Rochester or points east, helping them avoid downtown Buffalo. It also serves suburban communities and business districts throughout Erie County.
Drive 21 miles east on Interstate 290 from Auburn to Marlborough, Massachusetts, passing through Worcester’s urban core, crossing Lake Quinsigamond, and cruising wooded hills before connecting with Interstate 495. A convenient link blending city and scenic New England…