Take a unique ride through the industrial heart and historic riverside of northwest Missouri as we follow Interstate 229 through St. Joseph. This short but memorable 7-mile segment of freeway begins at U.S. Highway 59, just north of downtown, and traces a distinctive path southward along the Missouri River before joining the larger Interstate 29. Along the way, we encounter an engineering rarity, sweeping views of the city skyline, and a corridor whose future is on borrowed time—slated for decommissioning and reimagining in the coming years.
We begin our journey just outside the downtown district, where I-229 emerges from US-59 and almost immediately transforms into one of Missouri’s most unusual freeway structures. Within moments, we find ourselves traveling beneath the elevated double-deck section—a striking concrete viaduct that carries northbound lanes above and southbound traffic below. Built in the 1970s, this stretch was designed to hug the river’s edge while providing elevated access into the heart of St. Joseph. The double-deck section rises prominently over the intersection with U.S. Route 36, a major east-west corridor connecting Hannibal to the east and Kansas to the west. As we cruise below the top deck, the steel girders and enclosed sides lend an urban, almost claustrophobic atmosphere to the drive—especially striking given the scenic nature of the Missouri River just feet away to the west.
Exiting the lower deck, the interstate continues southward as it bends gently southeast toward I-29. The river stays close by, visible intermittently between flood levees and industrial warehouses, while the city climbs eastward toward the bluffs. We pass the 6th Street exit, offering access to downtown businesses and civic landmarks like the historic Patee House Museum and Pony Express National Museum, both of which highlight the city’s deep ties to 19th-century American westward expansion. Farther south, the MO-371 interchange provides the last major access point before I-229 comes to an end. We merge smoothly onto southbound Interstate 29, closing the loop back toward Kansas City or continuing onward into northwest Missouri and Iowa.
But as we drive this storied segment, it’s impossible to ignore its looming transformation. MoDOT has announced plans to decommission the double-deck section of I-229 due to rising maintenance costs and diminished use. The elevated structure—once hailed as a marvel of urban engineering—has become more of a burden than a benefit. Traffic volumes have declined, and the viaduct’s proximity to the river has exacerbated its structural vulnerabilities. Community discussions have already begun about replacing the interstate with a more pedestrian- and business-friendly boulevard. The project, which may cost hundreds of millions to complete, aims to reconnect downtown St. Joseph with its riverfront and restore the area’s urban fabric. Though no specific teardown date has been set as of 2025, the wheels of change are turning. For now, I-229 remains open, offering one last look at a Midwestern highway relic nearing the end of its run.
Whether you’re drawn by its rare design, the sense of fading infrastructure, or the surprising amount of history packed into a short drive, Interstate 229 delivers a compelling ride. It’s a route where the concrete tells a story—of ambition, adaptation, and the inevitable passage of time. Take the drive while you still can.
This video was originally produced in collaboration with CrossCounty Travelers, a now-retired travel group.
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