Gas Prices and the Cost of a Trip between Bloomington and New Lenox
Introduction
Planning a trip can be an exciting experience, but it's also important to consider the cost and distance of your journey. For those traveling between Bloomington, Illinois and New Lenox, Illinois, one of the primary expenses to consider is fuel costs, which can heavily impact your overall budget. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes between these two cities, highlighting the cost and distance associated with each one. By analyzing current gas prices and providing recommendations, we aim to help you choose the best route for your trip.
Route Options
Route 1: I-55 N and I-74 W
One of the most common routes between Bloomington and New Lenox is via I-55 N and I-74 W. This route spans a distance of approximately 110 miles. When calculating the cost of this trip, we need to account for the gas consumption of an average vehicle. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average fuel efficiency for cars on highways is around 24.9 miles per gallon.
Given these statistics and the current average gas price of $2.75 per gallon in Bloomington, a one-way trip on this route would cost approximately:
110 miles / 24.9 miles per gallon * $2.75 per gallon = $12.23
Thus, the total round-trip cost for this route based on current gas prices would amount to approximately $24.46.
Route 2: IL-47 N and I-39 N
Another option worth considering is a route that involves taking IL-47 N and then joining I-39 N. This alternative path spans a longer distance of around 140 miles. Following the same logic as before, we can calculate the cost of this trip based on the average fuel efficiency and gas prices.
140 miles / 24.9 miles per gallon * $2.75 per gallon = $15.59
Thus, the total round-trip cost for this route would amount to approximately $31.18.
Route 3: US-51 N and I-55 N
For those looking for a different route, taking US-51 N and joining I-55 N is another possibility to consider. This route covers a distance of approximately 125 miles. Let's calculate the estimated cost for this option using the same formula as before.
125 miles / 24.9 miles per gallon * $2.75 per gallon = $14.33
Thus, the total round-trip cost for this route would amount to approximately $28.66.
Recommended Route
When considering the cost and distance of each route, it is clear that Route 1 (I-55 N and I-74 W) is the most cost-effective choice. With a lower distance compared to Route 2 (IL-47 N and I-39 N) and only slightly higher compared to Route 3 (US-51 N and I-55 N), Route 1 offers a favorable balance between cost and distance. Saving a few dollars on gas can contribute to a more enjoyable trip without straining your travel budget.
Conclusion
In summary, when planning a trip between Bloomington and New Lenox, it is important to take into account the cost of gas, as it significantly impacts your travel expenses. By considering the current gas prices and the fuel efficiency of an average vehicle, we have calculated the approximate cost for each of the three possible routes.
Route 1 via I-55 N and I-74 W, with a total distance of 110 miles, would cost roughly $24.46 for a round trip. Route 2 via IL-47 N and I-39 N, covering 140 miles, would cost approximately $31.18. Finally, Route 3 via US-51 N and I-55 N, spanning 125 miles, would total around $28.66.
Based on our analysis, we recommend Route 1 (I-55 N and I-74 W) as the most cost-effective and balanced option. It offers a reasonable distance and a lower overall cost compared to the other alternatives. Ultimately, the chosen route depends on personal preferences and factors such as traffic conditions and time constraints. Nevertheless, considering the cost implications of your travel decisions can maximize your enjoyment while minimizing expenses. Happy travels!