St Louis

[Williston324]

Early October will be travelling west to east midweek around noon. Will be on 70 but looking at taking 64 at exit 210A vs connecting to it east of the city?? Never been in this area before. That day we're travelling from Hamilton MO to Paducah KY - how can you tell my Wife is a quilter!!

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Outback 325BH]

Are you visiting the city or just passing through?

I would avoid the downtown area if possible.

If on I-70, you can take I-255 south, on the IL side, down to I-64. This avoids the downtown area congestion.


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[hankaye]

Williston324, Howdy;

First off, how do you plan to get to I-70? Are you going to back track to I-35
and go South, use Mo-13 South to I-70 or take US-35 E. If the latter, then
enjoy the countryside and it will turn into I-72 shortly before you find your self
at Hannibal, Mo. then go South, after crossing into Il. on US-67 S which will turn
into I-255 S.

That said, I heartily agree with the I-255 S. I would recommend taking I-270 E
across the North side of the city to get to it. Also, depending on the time of day,
I might even take 370 above that. Big 4 lane by-pass of commuter congestion
that will dump you out onto I-270.

Good Luck.

hankaye

[bsmith0404]

If you're coming in on I-70, I would just take I-270 N and go around the north side of St Louis. Personally, I don't mind taking 70 straight through, it's not bad at most times of the day. I would definitely avoid 64 until you're on the IL side of the river, just jump on 255 to get to it. If you do take 70 straight through, be watching for the exit for IL. They opened a new bridge about 2.5-3 years ago and many GPS's do not have the updated routes.

[ctbruce]

If you're coming in on I-70, I would just take I-270 N and go around the north side of St Louis. Personally, I don't mind taking 70 straight through, it's not bad at most times of the day. I would definitely avoid 64 until you're on the IL side of the river, just jump on 255 to get to it. If you do take 70 straight through, be watching for the exit for IL. They opened a new bridge about 2.5-3 years ago and many GPS's do not have the updated routes.
Bsmith0404 has it right. Just stay on 70 and in the right lane. Do not get on the express lanes if they are open! The Illinois exit is on the right just after the St. Louis Avenue exit. You'll cross the Stan Musial bridge and then go a couple of miles and exit to the right to merge onto 64 east. This is much easier than taking 40/64 at Wentzville. At the time of day you're going through the morning commuters will be long gone. Have a safe trip!

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[Dave W]

Appropriate thread as we will be going the opposite direction on the 26 or 27th of this month. We did it W - E last year but dang if I can recall how as it was during afternoon early part of the rush hour and I just followed the GPS and signs.

[vampress_me]

I agree with ctbruce. Two weeks ago the daughter and I went to Kentucky for the weekend. Came down from Hannibal, took 70 over "the new bridge" and met up with 64 on the Illinios side. I would not hesitate to do this with our camper, and we did it at about 6pm on a Wednesday night. 64 thru St. Louis was a mess according to the iPhone map and the radio at the time.

[Outback 325BH]

For those unfamiliar, Interstates 64, 70 and 55 converge in downtown St. Louis.

When we say, take 70 across the top and connect with 64 on the IL side, what we mean is take 270 across the top. I think a poster clarified this a bit already.

270 turns into 70 at a point on the IL side. Some of us don't make that distinction due to context and local speak.

270/255 make a big circle around the greater STL area.

The goal is to stay away from the downtown area. The place is a mess during rush-hour.

Plus, if you blindly follow I-70, you will make a big dip that adds a lot of miles and time.


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[ctbruce]

For those unfamiliar, Interstates 64, 70 and 55 converge in downtown St. Louis.

When we say, take 70 across the top and connect with 64 on the IL side, what we mean is take 270 across the top. I think a poster clarified this a bit already.

270 turns into 70 at a point on the IL side. Some of us don't make that distinction due to context and local speak.

270/255 make a big circle around the greater STL area.

The goal is to stay away from the downtown area. The place is a mess during rush-hour.

Plus, if you blindly follow I-70, you will make a big dip that adds a lot of miles and time.


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I think the OP is going through at noon so there will be no rush hour and just normal downtown traffic at that time.

270 North from 70 goes way north from I-64 without a good route south. IMO, the time taken and miles driven to avoid regular traffic is way more than staying on 70 and exiting to I-64 via the new bridge.

OP, I live close to you in Liberty, PM me if you'd love to discuss. I grew up in Fairview Heights and played on I-64 as a kid while they were building it.

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[Outback 325BH]

I think the OP is going through at noon so there will be no rush hour and just normal downtown traffic at that time.

270 North from 70 goes way north from I-64 without a good route south. IMO, the time taken and miles driven to avoid regular traffic is way more than staying on 70 and exiting to I-64 via the new bridge.

OP, I live close to you in Liberty, PM me if you'd love to discuss. I grew up in Fairview Heights and played on I-64 as a kid while they were building it.

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Staying on 70 through STL and connecting to 64 across Poplar is shorter for sure. (The bridge is actually 70/64/55/40 all in one.) The 270=>255=>64 was a nice way to avoid traffic.


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[notanlines]

Not to put a wet blanket to the "south to I-255 to I-64" idea, but we just towed over that road last week, and drive it four times a year. That road is in competition with Birmingham and Jackson, MS for the worst interstate in the country. Slow down to about 50-55 and your trailer may actually survive. I am going to guess that Illinois taxpayers just don't give until it hurts for road repair. And, yes, that was said tongue in cheek.:D

[bsmith0404]

Either way on the north side is fine. As already mentioned 70 to 64 (on IL side) is shorter than 270 and most that have traveled it would not hesitate to go that route. Taking 270 N isn't a bad option, just a little longer and not really necessary. Bottom line stay north and stay away from 64 until you are across the river. Have a great trip and enjoy.

[Williston324]

Thanks very much for all the replies. This site is always great for helping out fellow RV'ers! When you're married to a Quilter these side trips come with the job. In this case "the hop" over to Hamilton MO only adds 850 miles to our annual winter trip to Florida.