Springfield Traffic (Branson, Kearney, Cave: how much, hotels, house)

[ZCatcher]

I'm planning a business trip to Springfield soon, and I'll be coming in from the northeast on I-44. I was planning to stay somewhere there around the Glenstone Avenue exit. How heavy is traffic on Glenstone into town in the mornings? It looks like it's really commercially developed, and I'm trying to get some idea of how much time to allow to get down to E Sunshine Street. Is it enough of a pain to consider a different route? Locals, I'd appreciate any advice!

[Offroader]

It won't take you over 20 minutes to arrive at your destination.

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by ZCatcher

I'm planning a business trip to Springfield soon, and I'll be coming in from the northeast on I-44. I was planning to stay somewhere there around the Glenstone Avenue exit. How heavy is traffic on Glenstone into town in the mornings? It looks like it's really commercially developed, and I'm trying to get some idea of how much time to allow to get down to E Sunshine Street. Is it enough of a pain to consider a different route? Locals, I'd appreciate any advice!

Well, if it was important for me to be there on time, I'd give myself 45 minutes. If I got there early, I could always head down to the Waffle House and get a cup of coffee.

20yrsinBranson

[christina0001]

ditto Offroader, give yourself 20 minutes and you'll be fine. The traffic lights are what makes it take as long as it does IMO.
Enjoy your visit to Springfield.

[northbound74]

I'd just take 65 south off of 44. There is a Sunshine exit on 65.

[Arrby]

The above information is quite correct, but possibly confusing if seen collectively.

There are only two practical ways to get from Glenstone/I-44 to E. Sunshine. One is to drive south on Glenstone to Sunshine (that intersection is the 1800 block E. Sunshine. Turn west for smaller numbers, east for larger.). This could take 20 minutes but not likely more unless there is a train crossing (possible, but rare) or an accident which backs up traffic. If it takes another 10 minutes on E. Sunshine you might spend 30 minutes. The alternative is to get back out on US 65 south and take the Sunshine Exit. This will empty you out at the 3400 block of E. Sunshine. Glenstone/I-44 to 65/Sunshine Exit should not be over 15 minutes.

Caveat: I think the entrance from Glenstone on to I-44 eastbound (to US 65) is still closed for construction. Anyone know? If that is the case, you can go Glenstone south to Kearney - the first major intersection south of I-44 - then turn east to US 65, then proceed south on 65.

There really is no alternate route beyond the choices above.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by Arrby

Caveat: I think the entrance from Glenstone on to I-44 eastbound (to US 65) is still closed for construction. Anyone know?

I took Glenstone to I-44 E not long ago. Unless it was very recently closed, I believe that you're good to go.

One other issue that hasn't been mentioned is the time of morning the OP will be traveling. Any time after 7 am, traffic is considerably heavier than early morning. To give a good estimated travel time, the OP should say when he/she is going to be on the road and where on E. Sunshine the destination is. In general, 30 minutes should be sufficient. To be more precise, the above info is needed.

[GeekOfTheOzarks]

You didn't say where on E. Sunshine but there is a nice hotel on the corner of Glenstone (major north-south street that most of the north-end hotels are on) and Sunshine. This would be much more convenient for you and the rates are probably comparable to the ones farther north. Traffic on Glenstone is pretty heavy in the mornings and as another poster mentioned there are a lot of stoplights to contend with. On the plus side, there is also a Starbucks on the way!
Lamplighter South. A hotel in Springfield Missouri

[ZCatcher]

Thanks so much for all the helpful replies. I had looked on Google maps street-level view and followed Glenstone south from 44 to Sunshine, and that was what raised questions with me, since it looked like it could easily be quite busy in the mornings. Our meeting should be around 10 AM, so I think all your answers gave me a good idea of what to expect. And, being from the south, I have to confess that the info about the Waffle House was a bonus. We don't have them in IL, and I've been in withdrawal!

Thanks again!

[lone sailor]

Originally Posted by ZCatcher

Thanks so much for all the helpful replies. I had looked on Google maps street-level view and followed Glenstone south from 44 to Sunshine, and that was what raised questions with me, since it looked like it could easily be quite busy in the mornings. Our meeting should be around 10 AM, so I think all your answers gave me a good idea of what to expect. And, being from the south, I have to confess that the info about the Waffle House was a bonus. We don't have them in IL, and I've been in withdrawal!

Thanks again!

There is also a Waffle House at I-44 and Glenstone, north side.