St Louis how to avoid traffic

Question

What is the best way around St Louis avoiding traffic, coming from Indiana on 70

Answer

Traveling through St. Louis on I-70 from Indiana can be tricky during peak traffic times, especially around downtown and the Poplar Street Bridge area. Planning ahead and knowing alternate routes can save time and reduce stress.

Here are some tips and options for avoiding traffic in St. Louis:

Timing: If possible, plan to pass through the metro area outside of rush hours. Morning rush is typically 7:00–9:00 AM, and evening rush is 4:00–6:30 PM. Weekend afternoons can also be congested.
Use I-270 Loop: To bypass downtown congestion, take I-270 around the north or south sides of the city, depending on your direction of travel. This is especially helpful if you don’t need to go into central St. Louis.
Monitor Real-Time Traffic: Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze to check live traffic conditions and receive rerouting options. These apps can alert you to accidents or construction delays and suggest alternate paths.

Alternate routes worth considering:

For eastbound I-70 traffic heading toward downtown: consider using I-64/I-40 if your GPS suggests it as a detour, which can help you avoid congestion near the bridge crossings.
For westbound I-70 traffic leaving St. Louis: taking I-44 southwest for a short stretch before rejoining I-70 can bypass heavy downtown merges.
Secondary highways like MO-364 or MO-100 can sometimes provide smoother passage through northern or southern suburbs, avoiding stop-and-go traffic on the main interstate.

Additional tips:

Check local news or the Missouri Department of Transportation website before traveling for construction alerts and closures.
Keep an eye on major events in St. Louis (sports, concerts) that may affect traffic near downtown or stadium areas.
If you’re flexible with stops, refueling or resting slightly before entering the city can allow you to pass through during lighter traffic periods.

Overall, using the I-270 loop to bypass downtown, timing your trip outside peak hours, and monitoring real-time traffic updates are the best strategies for avoiding congestion while traveling through St. Louis on I-70 from Indiana.