I use Google Maps frequently for travels within the Chicago area.  In most cases, I have a pretty good idea of the major routes I need to get to my destination, but I may be uncertain as to which exact exit to use or what cross-street I should be watching for.  Google Maps can be a little frustrating, though, when its algorithms send me on routes that I know may be congested at the time of day I’m traveling or which for other reasons I may prefer not to use.

So it was good to see on Google’s Lat Long Blog that the Google Maps team has instituted a “Suggested Routes” heading that provides alternative travel choices.  You can now compare routings before deciding which one you want to use.  Clicking on the suggested route will update your step-by-step directions.  You can also select options to avoid toll routes or avoid highways, if that’s how you roll.