best route through st. louis from branson to Indy?

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.