Traffic crawling up to Rich Harvest Farms

If there's one downfall of this week's Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove it's traffic gridlock. The event has been an even bigger success than planned, drawing so many fans that traffic backed up for two hours just before the gates opened Friday. But a plan is afoot to ease congestion.

It seems just about everyone takes Interstate 88 heading west toward Sugar Grove. However, as match play began Friday, westbound I-88 was generally smooth sailing to the Route 56 exit. As soon as drivers reached the "Expressway Ends" sign, traffic starts moving slower than a slug crossing a can of Crisco.

The trip from the "Expressway Ends" sign to Dugan Road is about 30 minutes, but expect at least twice that stacking time if you're looking to arrive when gates open. Travel time from I-88 in Naperville to the time you park is about one hour.

A secondary route will debut Saturday, which will divert traffic from Route 30 onto southbound Route 47 and then to Jericho Road. Vehicles should go west on Jericho to Granart Road. From there, fans will be directed east on Granart Road to the parking lot. New signs and more Illinois State Police officers will be on hand to guide motorists through the new route.

Also starting Saturday, officials have dropped the $5 parking fee.