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Trip from Waukegan, IL to Edinburg, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 46m

Distance

244.1 mi

393 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 33m ★
6 AM
4h 46m
8 AM
5h 13m
10 AM
4h 56m
12 PM
4h 53m
3 PM
4h 57m
5 PM
5h 12m
8 PM
4h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Edinburg, IL, IL

Edinburg, IL

Sinitta Leunen

Trip Overview

This 244.1-mile drive from Waukegan, IL, to Edinburg, IL, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 46 minutes. With 79% of the route on highways, it's well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The estimated fuel cost is around $38, making it an economical option for exploring within Illinois. You'll be spending most of your time on major interstates like I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway, so expect a consistent pace for this Midwest to Midwest excursion.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

122 miles from Waukegan, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 119.4 mi 2h 13m
I 55 61 mi 1h 5m
Tri-State Tollway 42.6 mi 51m
IL 29 13.1 mi 19m
Belvidere Road 2.2 mi 3m
Belvidere Street 1.6 mi 3m
West Springfield Road 0.9 mi 1m
North Jackson Street 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Adlai Stevenson Expressway — 119.4 mi, about 2h 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan, IL and Edinburg, IL.

1

Start on North Jackson Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Jackson Street
2

Turn right onto Glen Rock Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
3

Turn right onto Belvidere Street

1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
4

Continue on IL 120

2.2 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 94 East Toll: Chicago
6

Merge onto I 94

14 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

23 mi · 28 min · Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 23 Toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
11

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis Use the slight right lane.
12

Merge onto I 55

119 mi · 2 hr 13 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

61 mi · 1 hr 5 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec
Toward IL 29 South: Taylorville
15

Merge onto IL 29

1.5 mi · 2 min · IL 29
16

Continue on IL 29

4.7 mi · 7 min · IL 29
Use the left lane.
17

Continue on IL 29

1.3 mi · 2 min · IL 29
Use the straight lane.
18

Continue on IL 29

5.7 mi · 7 min · IL 29
Use the straight lane.
19

Turn right onto North 725 East Road

0.4 mi · 39 sec · North 725 East Road
Use the right lane.
20

Continue on IL 29

0.9 mi · 1 min · West Springfield Road
21

Turn left onto West Douglas Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · West Douglas Street
22

Turn right onto North Eaton Street

480 ft · 22 sec · North Eaton Street
23

Turn right onto West Washington Street

229 ft · 9 sec · West Washington Street
24

Arrive at destination

West Washington Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 46-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight for the 244.1-mile journey and allow for a relaxed arrival. Plan for one stop along the way, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 119.4-mile stretch on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, to ensure you don't need to deviate from your planned route for gas.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 122 miles from Waukegan, IL, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.4 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 54 miles or 1h 9m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 122 miles or 2h 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 51m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Edinburg, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Waukegan, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Waukegan, IL

This is one driving day of about 244.1 miles and 4h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Waukegan, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 119.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Normal, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Normal, IL

122 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Woodridge, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 122 miles from Waukegan, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Darien, Illinois

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 52.3

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13314314000

Visit website

Star 66 Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Springfield, Illinois

0.9 mi

Rosemary Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Joliet, Illinois

1.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Drip and Culture - Socially Minded Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Waukegan, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crest Hill, Illinois

1.8 mi

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shorewood, Illinois

2 mi

Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 52.3

Darien, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13314314000

Visit website

Star 66 Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 226.6

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12175230611

Visit website

Rosemary Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.7

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18157824094

Visit website

Falco's Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 52.3

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16306544644

Visit website

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 226.6

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

Taste of Jerusalem

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.7

Plainfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+18157826500

Visit website

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 226.6

Grandview, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12175254952

Visit website

Urban Kitchen

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.7

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18157826417

Visit website

Drip and Culture - Socially Minded Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Waukegan, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.7

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18156303694

Visit website

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.7

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Ten Drops Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.7

Plainfield, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16306962137

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.7

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17792421902

Visit website

Bonny's Bistro

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 69.7

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18476271095

Visit website

Emmys Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 87.2

Braidwood, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18153905133

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Gurnee, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 156.9

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 191.8

Lincoln, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12177354444

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 156.9

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 156.9

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 156.9

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 156.9

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 156.9

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 156.9

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

The Wine Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 87.2

Wilmington, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+18154769009

Visit website

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 52.3

Willowbrook, Illinois

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 18.9 and 168.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
18.9 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
6
46.4 mi into trip | ~59m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
47.6 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 23 Toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
7
48.3 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
168.1 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.16 one way

$76.32 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $41.90 $83.80
premium $4.89 $46.97 $93.95
diesel $5.61 $53.89 $107.79

Estimated Tolls: $2.55

Tri-state Tollway (42.6 mi) $2.55

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 85.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 73.2 0 $25.63 $11.72
Efficient EV 61 0 $21.36 $9.76
EV Truck/SUV 97.6 1 $34.17 $15.62

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Waukegan, IL

Night in Waukegan on Saturday

Local time

11:43 PM

CDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Edinburg, IL

Night in Edinburg on Saturday

Local time

11:43 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

8 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 46m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

National Monument

In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 227.2
View on nps.gov
Pullman National Historical Park

Pullman National Historical Park

National Historical Park

In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...

17 mi from route ~43 min detour Free near mile 50.5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a drive that's predominantly highway, with 79% of the 244.1 miles on major arteries like the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55. This means you'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including one segment of 119.4 miles solely on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The character of the drive remains largely consistent, emphasizing efficient travel over varied scenery. While not a winding backroad adventure, this route prioritizes getting you from point A to point B smoothly and directly.

79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.4 mi on Adlai Stevenson Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.9 miles in near I 294 / Tri-State Tollway.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 244.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 18.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.4 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Waukegan, IL and Edinburg, IL, road signs point toward O'hare, St. Louis and Springfield.

O'hare

18.9 mi in | ~25m | via I 294

St. Louis

47.6 mi in | ~1h 1m

Springfield

168.1 mi in | ~3h 16m | via I 55

About the Cities

Starting in Waukegan, IL

Full guide →

Waukegan is in the Far North Suburbs of the Chicagoland region of Illinois. It sits on Lake Michigan, has a large harbor, and is the county seat of Lake County, Illinois.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 46m. Total distance: 244.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 119.4 miles on Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.55 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Edinburg, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 18.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.4 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Edinburg, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Waukegan, IL or browse trips ending in Edinburg, IL.

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