Built in 1986, the I-229 Double Decker Bridge has served as a critical commercial link between downtown St. Joseph and the industrial Stockyards District. The EA provided a platform to align the economic goals of MoDOT—focusing on cost-effective solutions—and the local community, which prioritized riverfront enhancement and economic development, through active public engagement. Hg evaluated over 20 alternatives for replacing the bridge, ultimately recommending a cost-effective improvement strategy that best addressed the project’s Purpose and Need. In collaboration with MoDOT, the Hg team developed a project-specific Public Involvement (PI) plan centered on engaging the community to envision a future for downtown St. Joseph that aligned with its goals. The process began with a visioning session during the initial public meeting, aimed at understanding and incorporating community priorities. By working closely with MoDOT, the City of St. Joseph, and the MPO, the team developed a compromise alternative that satisfied MoDOT, the city, and the community. The EA phase is scheduled to conclude in 2024. MoDOT’s next steps will focus on advancing the project with reliable cost data and continued community support, ensuring a collaborative approach to securing and prioritizing future project funding.