I'm a contractor and change job sites frequently. When that happens, I panic. How the hell am I going to get there? Mostly I use my Sunday ride time to check out the routes, see if there are any shortcuts. Google maps can be a help if you try Satellite mode.

You commute sounds daunting. Too much traffic. If you can't find a route that works better, you might be able to go to work at a better time. In Des Moines, rush hour is really about 30 minutes, between 7:45 and 8:15. If I travel before that, traffic is pretty leisurely. OTOH, drivers going home seem more impatient and their impatience is obvious any time after 4:00 pm.