A three-state coalition is pushing for the completion of an interstate that would provide an uninterrupted roadway between Canada and New Orleans.

The I-49 International Coalition – which consists of more than 100 community groups and local governments from Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri – met on Monday, May 16, in Kansas City, MO, to discuss building the north-south roadway, The Kansas City Star reported.

If approved, the project would convert U.S. 71 from Kansas City, MO, to the Louisiana border, as well as a 36-mile stretch to Shreveport, LA, into Interstate 49, according to The Star. The remainder of that interstate between Shreveport and Lafayette, LA, is already finished.

Members of the group said the roadway would reduce the Kansas City/New Orleans drive time by about 3½ hours, ease congestion along other Midwestern highways and create 206,000 jobs, the Shreveport Times reported.

The project has an estimated $4.9 billion price tag. Supporters say the cost will be made up by time and travel costs savings within six years, the Times reported.