ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Federal Highway Admistration (FHWA) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the I-229 Double-Decker Bridge Environmental Assessment (EA). The multi-year assessment was completed by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and led by consults from HG Consult Inc., in cooperation with FHWA. The FONSI marks the formal conclusion of the assessment and the ability to move forward with the preferred alternative.
This preferred alternative has been supported by the City of St. Joseph and St. Joseph Metropolotin Planning Organization (MPO) who were collaborative partners during the EA study process.
With the preferred alternative, the double-decker bridge will be removed and replaced with a new four-lane arterial road constructed at-grade (elevated as necessary for compliance with floodplain and stormwater requirements) in generally the same location as the existing double-decker bridge between the railroad tracks and the Missouri River.
During it's July 2024 meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) approved an amendment to the 2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) which includes funding for right of way in Fiscal Year 2027. No additional funding or timeline has been designated for design or construction of the project.
A copy of the Environmental Assement, FONSI and preferred alternative plan drawings can be found on the I-229 Moving Forward project website at: https://www.modot.org/stjoe229, or by visiting the Northwest District Office weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 3602 N. Belt Hwy, St. Joseph, MO 64506.
###
I-229 Moving Forward Webpage: