Graves secures $1 million in funding for Riverside Road Bridge replacement project in St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A number of significant transportation improvement projects in St. Joseph and Northwest Missouri will get a boost in federal funding.

Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) announced Thursday he had securing $4 million in funding for several bridge and interchange improvement projects planned across Northwest Missouri in the near future, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026 signed by President Trump on Feb. 3.

That includes $1 million to replace the Route AC/Riverside Road bridge over U.S. Highway 36 in St. Joseph, a $10.7 million project scheduled to occur in spring 2027. The three-lane bridge will be demolished and replaced with a new five-lane bridge to accommodate increased traffic since it first opened in 1973.

“We’re investing in critical projects in North Missouri, while reining in the size of government,” said Graves in a news release. “These bridge rehabilitations will improve these interchanges and keep the traveling public safe. I’m proud to secure funding to help move these projects forward.”

Graves was also able to secure $1 million in funding for bridge improvements on the U.S. 159 bridge over Interstate 29 in Holt County.

Bridge projects included in the bill were:

• $1 million to rehabilitate a crucial connector bridge at the I-29 and I-35 split in Clay County
  
• $1 million to improve bridge conditions for the US 159 Bridge over Interstate 29 in Holt County
  
• $1 million to replace a bridge at the interchange at US 36 and Route AC in Buchanan County
  
• $1 million to improve the US 136 Bridge over I-35 in Harrison County