Route Suggestions.

[Ray LeTourneau]

A little advice from those in the know would be appreciated. Lin & I will be traveling from OK City to Branson in a couple of weeks. Which would be the better (smoothest roads) route? The I44 tollroad to Tulsa then east on 412 OR Plan B. I40 out of OKC to Ft. Smith then North on 540? The miles are a wash when you throw in the tolls so I guess I'd prefer the better road surface for the better ride. Thanks in advance.

 

[osims]

Ray- We were down I40 between OKC and Fort Smith last summer and lost a television that was strapped down pretty good. It is probably the worst stretch of hiway we have traveled. Bill

 

[Lickitysplit]

OKC-Branson

Ray, I am from Oklahoma and presently live in Harrison AR which is 35 miles south of Branson. There is only one route I would consider if I was going to Branson from OKC. Straight up Interstate 44 to Springfield Mo. Then south on Hwy 65 to Branson. Should take between 5 1/2 to 6 hours. This road is in pretty good shape most of the way.

Going across I40 in Oklahoma is horrible and will beat you to death.

Going up I44 to Tulsa and then across 412 is good until you get into Arkansas. The Springdale Ar to Harrison section is very hilly and crooked.

Hope this helps,
JeffNone

 

[htneighbors]

OK roads are pathetic!

Ray, Bill and Jeff are 100% correct about I-40. Avoid that stretch of highway at all costs! I live in OKC and am currently working some jobs in eastern OK. I-40 has to be the absolute worst highway in the country. Even without towing an RV, that road needs to be avoided. Take a scenic route if time isn't an issue. Although most all highways in Oklahoma are bump and pot-hole ridden, the smaller highways are much better than I-40 - and you go slower and enjoy the scenery. Otherwise, I-44 through Tulsa is definitely better!

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

Going up I44 to Tulsa and then across 412 is good until you get into Arkansas. The Springdale Ar to Harrison section is very hilly and crooked.

Hope this helps,
JeffNone[/quote]
Thanks Jeff & others. We took 412 on the way south last year and it was actually not that bad. On the down side if we had a breakdown or had to deal with a flat, it could be a disaster. Looks like we'll be visiting Springfield on the way to Branson .

 

[roazo]

If you want to avoid the roller coaster between Springfield and Branson on 65 look at highway 160 just 4 miles west of 65. Wide smooth 2 lane no hills not much traffic. At Reed Springs you can either go west to west Branson or east to East Branson. Good Luck on your trip.

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

If you want to avoid the roller coaster between Springfield and Branson on 65 look at highway 160 just 4 miles west of 65. Wide smooth 2 lane no hills not much traffic. At Reed Springs you can either go west to west Branson or east to East Branson. Good Luck on your trip.

Thanks for the tip! It may be more scenic too. Slow down and enjoy.