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Future federal legislation could lead to on and off ramps being added to connect Interstate 29 and Faraon Street. Congressman Sam Graves is likely to look into this project, as well as a realignment of I-29 and U.S. Highway 169.

Some large and somewhat unexpected highway projects could be targeted by the Missouri Department of Transportation and Congressman Sam Graves in future federal legislation.

The most expensive project would relieve the complicated bottleneck at Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 169 South.

Another potential project — an exit at I-29 and Faraon Street — has not been discussed much in public since being proposed in 2001. Others include a highway overpass in Faucett and a railroad overpass in southern Buchanan County.

Multiple factors make the I-29-U.S. 169 exit problematic, including a high number of semitrailers heading to the two truck stops and an awkward alignment with Leonard Road, which serves an industrial park. Traffic is sure to increase there once the new Eastowne Business Park begins adding traffic to the new Route AC/Riverside Road connections on South 169.

“That problem is only going to get more congested. It’s very high on our list of needs,” said Ted Allison, president of the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Graves’ office called local officials this week to inform them of the projects’ potential for federal money and to gauge support.

When contacted by the News-Press, Mr. Graves’ office declined comment and said the potential funding is very preliminary. Spokesman Jason Klindt said MoDOT is considering the projects, which could be added to the next federal highway bill, perhaps in July.

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Royal “R.T.” Turner said the phone call left him with the impression that some of the projects will happen.

“It’s nice to even know that they’re thinking about these projects,” Mr. Turner said.

It’s unclear if these projects are being considered in addition to or instead of other community road priorities, such as a South Side railroad bridge.

“We have to take these opportunities as they come and certainly appreciate it if it does,” Mr. Allison said.

The four projects are as follows:

A major reconstruction and realignment of the intersection of I-29 and U.S. 169 South.

At Faraon, an exit ramp and on ramp for traffic coming from and going to the south.

Rebuild the I-29 overpass at the Faucett exit.

Rebuild and realign the railroad overpass on U.S. Highway 59 South in southern Buchanan County, known as Bankers Bridge.

The Faraon ramps have been touted as improving emergency access for Heartland Regional Medical Center and a more direct route to Missouri Western State University. Mr. Allison said the Kansas City Chiefs training camp at Western now adds in the project’s favor.

Mr. Turner said he’s heard complaints and discussions about Bankers Bridge since joining the County Commission four years ago. The sharp rise of the overpass, curved approaches and a narrow span make it potentially dangerous, he said.

“Two trucks meet there and they can just about kiss,” Mr. Turner said.

Joe Blumberg can be reached

at joeblumberg@npgco.com.