Venturi bypass exhaust gas recirculation system

An internal combustion engine is provided with a combustion air supply, an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, and an exhaust gas recirculation system having a venturi assembly. The venturi assembly includes an outlet, a combustion air inlet connected and in communication with the combustion air supply, and an exhaust gas inlet connected and in communication with the exhaust manifold. A bypass fluid line and a bypass valve in the nature of a check valve are provided to bypass the venturi assembly. The check valve is responsive to changes in pressure drop across the venturi assembly, to open and close the bypass fluid line and limit the pressure drop across the venturi assembly.