Community Forums

ratler01 · 11-27-2016, 07:41 PM

We will be travelling from Springfield, MO to Springfield, IL and I was wonderin about going through St. Louis.

Google Maps shows taking I44 to St. Louis but then it routes me North on S Kings Highway to Hwy 40 then onto I64 to I55. Wouldn't it be easier to just stay on I44 up to I55? Is there one way that would be better than the other? We are 59 ft total length, 5th wheel and Freightliner.

Thank you for any recommendations.

Travel Safe!

stepside454 · 11-27-2016, 07:55 PM

Yes do what you said .

twogypsies · 11-27-2016, 08:05 PM

Either way would work but there will be a lot of vehicles merging when you take 44 onto 55 at the river.

If you take Kings Highway you'd probably have less of an issue with the merge on 64 and then a straight shot across the river.

Regardless, you will have a lot of traffic..... try for a Sunday morning.

c92vette · 11-27-2016, 08:24 PM

Went through last summer on I-44 out of Carthage Mo. When we got to I-270 we took it south across the river. The road changes from I-270 to I-255 at I-55 but it is a seamless transition. On the Illinois side we continued on I-255 until we picked up I-55 going north to Springfield. The only traffic we encountered, 3 pm, on a weekday was at the I-44 / 270 interchange. Other than that it was pretty smooth sailing. I've been through Stl many times from N-S-E-W and this was the easiest transition I ever had. IMO there is to much commotion with lane changes, traffic, etc going I-64 through downtown after crossing the river. I always like the path of least resistance even if it is a bit longer.

big willie · 11-27-2016, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c92vette

Went through last summer on I-44 out of Carthage Mo. When we got to I-270 we took it south across the river. The road changes from I-270 to I-255 at I-55 but it is a seamless transition. On the Illinois side we continued on I-255 until we picked up I-55 going north to Springfield. The only traffic we encountered, 3 pm, on a weekday was at the I-44 / 270 interchange. Other than that it was pretty smooth sailing. I've been through Stl many times from N-S-E-W and this was the easiest transition I ever had. IMO there is to much commotion with lane changes, traffic, etc going I-64 through downtown after crossing the river. I always like the path of least resistance even if it is a bit longer.

We live in the area and this is very good advice

Eyephoto · 11-27-2016, 09:58 PM

Don't go the Kingshighway route. There is a construction mess just south of the exit ramp of 44. Stay on 44 it will merge onto 55, stay on the right lane and it will take you to 55, 64/40 Poplar street bridge. On the IL side, the lanes split, two and two, don't worry they merge back together before the next split, that's where 64 goes East. You want the 55-70 lanes, and 55 takes you to Springfield.

Eyephoto · 11-27-2016, 10:00 PM

and what Vette said!

Mageksl · 11-28-2016, 07:07 PM

Both C92vette and Big Willie have very good routes, which I have taken in the past. However, I-255 in Illinois has several really rough areas. Another route is to take I-270 north from I-44. This will take you around the north side of town all the way to the I-55/I-70 split north of Troy, IL. There can be quite a bit of traffic eastbound during the evening rush hour so plan accordingly.

wa8yxm · 11-29-2016, 08:08 AM

Only advice I have is this:
Way less traffic at 3AM than at 3 PM

Waiter21 · 11-29-2016, 08:12 AM

I take this route several times a year.. I've traveled both routes, but we prefer the route c94vette posted. This swings slight south around St Louis.