Districts Impacted
I-229 Moving Forward
I-229 is a corridor that carries traffic through downtown St. Joseph on the Double-Decker Bridge along the Missouri River. The bridge is 40 years old with an expected lifespan of 50 years.
Click the link below to view the Environmental Assessment plan for the Double-Decker Bridge. A formal open house style Public Hearing will be held on Aug. 15, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Remington Nature Center in St. Joseph (more information below).
I-229 Moving Forward Goals:
MoDOT is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the I-229 Double-Decker Bridge. An EA is a study required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for federally-funded projects and ensures a sound, well-researched decision is reached. An EA consists of the technical evaluation of human and natural environmental impacts, both positive and negative, associated with the alternatives for the project and whether those impacts are significant or not. So why is MoDOT conducting an EA study of the Double-Decker?
- The bridge is nearing the end of its expected life: the expected lifespan of the bridge is 50 years. The bridge is currently 40 years old.
- The bridge is rated in poor condition: despite ongoing maintenance the bridge continues to deteriorate and is rated in poor condition - the equivalent to a C- grade.
- Current structural problems on the bridge will be difficult and costly to repair: if the bridge was rehabilitated, it would either need a second rehabilitation or a complete replacement in approximately 25 years - with an estimated cost around $200 million.
- Traffic volumes don't support the need for the current bridge structure: the amount of traffic using the bridge doesn't require a four-lane, elevated structure. At the time the bridge was conceptualized, a higher volume of traffic was expected to travel I-229 than does today.
- The economic development of St. Joseph's downtown and riverfront is more challenging with the current bridge in place: the current bridge is not compatible with the City of St. Joseph's current vision for riverfront development and continued growth.
I-229 bridge grade graphic
I-229 Moving Forward Budget Graphic
I-229 Moving Forward Project Purpose and Need:
Resolve bridge deficiencies
- Provide a long-term solution for the condition of the I-229 Double-Decker Bridge
Maximize travel mobility, accessibility and safety
- Travel Safely
- Ease of moving freight
- Downtown accessibility
Complementary to, and compatible with, local land use plans
- Downtown revitalization
- Reconnecting the riverfront
I-229 Double-Decker Bridge deterioration of the upper deck.
Spalling with exposed stains on I-229 Double-Decker Bridge girder ends.
A large spall with rebar exposed on a I-229 Double-Decker Bridge bent.
I-229 Double-Decker Bridge Deterioration Steel Cap
The Preferred Alternative
The presently contemplated improvement is as follows:
With the preferred alternative, the double-decker bridge is 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. Access to downtown would only be provided at 4th Street and a new interchange at US Route 59 (St. Joseph Avenue). This alternative would require the de-designation of I-229 as an interstate.
*The purpose of this study, and the alternatives developed as part of the study, is to ONLY address the corridor in which a new structure and/or roadway would follow. Considerations such as traffic control, ramp placement, architecture and beautification are not planned for in the EA study process. These would be addressed in the final design process which would include opportunity for public comments concerning these roadway topics.
Project History
Project Timeline
View the project timeline and learn about project history, where we are now, and future.
View the project timeline and learn about project history, where we are now, and future.
Alternatives History
View the reasonable alternatives which were not moved forward for consideration.
View the reasonable alternatives which were not moved forward for consideration.
I-229 Moving Forward News
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I-229 Moving Forward Public Input Opportunity
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation and local partners are once again asking residents to share their thoughts on the future of the Interstate 229 corridor through downtown St. Joseph, including the Double-decker Bridge. I-229...
Public Input Opportunity
I-229 Environmental Assessment Public Hearing:
An in-person public meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Remington Nature Center (1502 McArthur Drive, St. Joseph) in order to gather feedback on the I-229 Moving Forward Environmental Assessment and Preferred Alternative.
- We are committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. Access for people with disabilities is available. If you are in need of reasonable accommodation, please contact us at stjoe229@modot.mo.gov by Aug. 8, 2024.
- Copies of the Environmental Assessment document, can be found by clicking the link below or by visiting MoDOT’s Northwest District Office at 3602 N. Belt Highway, St. Joseph, MO, 64506. Written comments will be accepted until ten days after the hearing (Attn: I-229 Environmental Assessment, 3602 N. Belt Highway, St. Joseph, MO, 64506).
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