MoDOT installs new warning signs at site of I-229 wrong-way crashes

By Cameron Montemayor

Among the handful of improvements carried out on the Interstate 229 double-decker bridge this week, two Downtown exit ramps saw the notable addition of new safety components following two wrong-way crashes this year.

MoDOT officials confirmed the installation of three new warnings signs — one “wrong way” sign and two “do not enter” signs — at the I-229 6A exit ramp that leads on to Edmond and Third streets, adding to three that are currently there.

The same three signs were also added to the I-229 southbound exit ramp that takes drivers onto Felix Street.

The additions to the exit ramp come after a year that saw two wrong-way collisions take place, one of them a high-profile fatal crash in May. St. Joseph motorcyclist Ryan Coffman was killed after he was struck by a wrong-way driver just before 5 a.m. on May 17.

St. Joseph resident Katherine Deweese was later charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter for her role and now awaits a preliminary hearing on Sept. 19 in Buchanan County court.

Nearly three months later on Aug. 10, a woman was hospitalized with notable injuries after being hit head-on at the same exit ramp.

The double-decker bridge on Interstate 229 along the west side of St. Joseph reopened Thursday following a four-day closure for its biannual bridge inspection.

MoDOT engineers inspected the bridge while maintenance crews completed general bridge and sign maintenance and electricians made lighting repairs.