I-229 improvement project moving ahead

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- One of St. Joseph's most well-known highways is set to undergo a large production process.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is in the early stages of its construction project to improve Interstate 229.

Leading the project is the Director of the I-229 improvement project, Joyce Reynolds.

"Do we really need the double-decker bridge?" Reynolds said. "Is there something we can do better that would be easier for us to maintain and provide the same benefits?"

MoDOT is currently working with the Federal Highway Administration to redesignate I-229 as an interstate to come up with a new name.

"It's no longer going to be an interstate for the entire length," Reynolds said. "We haven't decided what the new name for the I-229 corridor is."

The process of the entire process will take several years, with construction set to begin in 2028.