Why is MoDOT conducting this study?

MoDOT is conducting this study in response to our local planning partners, who have ranked both projects high on their list of local and regional priorities.  The Joplin Area Transportation Study Organization (JATSO) ranks the Route 171/249 interstate designation as their #1 priority, and the Joplin West Corridor as their #3 priority.  The Harry S Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC) ranks the Route 171/249 interstate designation as their #3 priority.

How is MoDOT paying for the study?

MoDOT is utilizing federal State Planning and Research (SPR) funds to pay for the study.  SPR funds are federal monies provided to state departments of transportation to address transportation challenges through planning studies and research.  These funds can only be used to fund planning studies and research, and cannot be used for other purposes.

How does MoDOT plan to fund these improvements, and how soon can we expect construction to begin?

MoDOT currently does not have any funding identified to construct improvements on either corridor.  Due to the high project cost and MoDOT’s current funding outlook, an alternative funding source (federal grants, local cost-share funds, state general revenue funds, etc.) would need to be obtained in order to move either project forward.  Construction cannot begin until funding has been secured and design has been completed.

What are the next steps following completion of the study?

Following completion of the study, a summary of the results will be shared with local stakeholders and planning partners.  The planning partners can then use the results of the study as a decision-making tool to help them prioritize the region’s transportation needs.

Will building the improvements on Routes 171/249 automatically make this corridor an interstate highway?

No.  Since the Interstate Highway System is federally regulated, there are still several more steps to go through before the corridor can be designated as an interstate.  First, MoDOT would need to apply for interstate designation approval to the Missouri Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  If approved at the state level, the application would then need to be elevated to the Federal level to be approved by the Federal Highway Administrator, who heads the FHWA under the authority of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.  Following approval by the FHWA, the route numbering would then need to be approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Only after approval by FHWA and AASHTO can MoDOT install the signs designating the corridor as an interstate.

Will MoDOT use the results of the study to prioritize one corridor over the other?

No.  System expansion projects like these are prioritized by local planning agencies. For the two corridors being studied, prioritization will be performed by the Joplin Area Transportation Study Organization (JATSO) and the Harry S Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC).  The study will provide JATSO and HSTCC the data they need to aid them in the prioritization process.  Joplin area priorities are then prioritized with those from other planning organizations across Southwest Missouri as part of a MoDOT Southwest District priority list.

What is required to upgrade the existing Routes 171/249 corridor to Interstate standards?

Interstate highways must conform to federal design standards. Engineers would need to update the existing highways to current design standards before the corridor would be eligible for designation as an interstate.

Why is a new interchange needed at Route 171 and Interstate 49 in Carthage?

Drivers currently need to negotiate a pair of traffic signals when traveling between Route 171 and Interstate 49.  Interchanges between interstate highways are required to provide continuous, high speed travel without stops.  Since the existing interchange is within an urbanized area, and would be costly and impactful to the community to retrofit, a new interchange would need to be constructed at a different location.

Will MoDOT be selecting an alignment for the Joplin West Corridor?

No.  Selection of the alignment for a new roadway is a detailed process that includes public involvement and a comprehensive study of environmental and cultural resources. This study evaluates a two-mile wide corridor where the new alignment could be constructed in the future.

How can I get involved to help determine local transportation needs and priorities?

Transportation planning within the Joplin area (including the cities of Joplin, Webb City, Carl Junction, Carterville, Oronogo, Duenweg, Duquesne, and Airport Drive) is managed by the Joplin Area Transportation Organization (JATSO).  Transportation planning outside the JATSO area in Barton, Jasper, Newton, and McDonald Counties is managed by the Harry S Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC). Both JATSO and HSTCC are the primary contacts for identifying, planning, and prioritizing local and regional transportation needs and projects.

Will right of way purchases be required if either corridor is constructed?

Yes, right of way purchases will be required for construction in both corridors.  Right of way purchases may involve total takings of residences and businesses.  However, MoDOT currently does not have any funding identified to construct improvements on either corridor.  Right of way purchases cannot begin until funding has been secured and design has been initiated.

What type of roadway will be constructed for the Joplin West Corridor?

The study will be evaluating the benefit/cost of three different roadway options.  The first option is a principal arterial roadway with four to five lanes, minimal restrictions on driveway locations, stop controlled intersections at minor crossroads, and signals at the intersections of major crossroads spaced approximately one-half mile apart.  The second option is a four-lane expressway with medians to restrict left turns, restrictions on driveway locations, and J-turns or signals at major and minor crossroad intersections spaced approximately one mile apart.  The third option is a four-lane freeway with no access for driveways or minor crossroads, and interchanges at major crossroad intersections spaced no less than two miles apart.

When Route 249 was built, was is intended to be an interstate?  Was Route 249 intended to be the future route of Interstate 49?

Route 249 was designed and built to interstate standards in the early to mid-2000s.  However, just because a highway is built to interstate standards doesn’t mean that the highway is automatically designated as an interstate.  While there was much public speculation at the time over the location of the future Interstate 49, MoDOT made no formal commitments or agreements regarding the future interstate’s location.  Based on a number of factors, a different route for Interstate 49 was ultimately chosen.

How do I ask a question or leave feedback about this study?

MoDOT will be hosting a virtual (online) public meeting July 14-August 13, 2026. During that time, you may return to this website and fill out a feedback form found here. Two in-person public meetings are scheduled at the Carthage Water & Electric Plant (5:30-7 p.m., July 21, 2026, 627 W. Centennial Avenue, Carthage, Mo.) and the Joplin Public Library (5:30-7 p.m., July 23, 2026, 1901 E. 20th Street, Joplin, Mo.). You also may send us an e-mail at swcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at (417) 895-7600.