Route 249 begins at an interchange with I-44, I-49, and US 71 east of Joplin in Jasper County, where the road continues south as I-49/US 71. The route heads north as a four-lane freeway through agricultural areas with some nearby development, coming to an interchange with Route 66/I-44 Bus. west of Duenweg. The freeway continues north to the next interchange at Newman Road. Route 249 curves northwest and comes to the exit for Route VV. The route curves north and ends at an interchange with I-49 Bus./Route 171 near Carterville.