best route through st. louis from branson to Indy?

prefontd wrote:
I am leaving Branson tomorrow morning for Indy towing a 24' toyhauler with a F250. What's the best route through St. Louis, over the top bypass, around the lower or straight through, I44 to I70? Why?

I would go South around St Louis the North route is a zoo. 44 to the 270 toward the 55 which become 255 and take that to 70

DOTLDaddy wrote:
Another vote for the "lower" route. It adds a few miles versus straight through, but the stress level is less. Just be aware of the far right lane(s) becoming "exit only" lanes as you go down that way.:E

This.

Once in IL this route goes through farmland. You have to remind your self that you are still in sight of the Arch.

Southern route it is!! Thanks everyone!

Another vote for the "lower" route. It adds a few miles versus straight through, but the stress level is less. Just be aware of the far right lane(s) becoming "exit only" lanes as you go down that way.:E

What day and time of the day will you be driving through?

Right now there is a ton of construction going on and closures change sometimes daily.

Not knowing exactly when you will be coming through, I would suggest taking the southern route once you hit I-270 (which will turn into I-255) into IL and up to I-70. Yes, there is construction on I-255 a couple of miles before you turn onto I-55/70, but it's a lot less congested than going through the heart of StL.

If you have a "smart phone" there is an app you can download called "Beat the Traffic". It gives you traffic conditions (red, yellow, green lines as roads) that have been pretty darn accurate.

Doug

I travel that route several times a year. I go straight thru St Louis on I-44. Even during rush traffic it takes 20 minutes from 270 to I55, barring no accidents. If you must go around, go south. To go around the north side is the worst possible choice as you will be dealing with airport traffic, plus all the other interstates that connect with the north side. Best bet is to just go rite thru on 44.

There is construction on the north loop in IL, I avoid that if I can.

There is construction on the straight through in IL and depending on time of day traffic can be a bear, but I usually go this route when we leave early Sunday morning - any other time not.

The last two times I've taken the south bypass - a little further but much easier drive.