I-55 bridge reopens with single-lane traffic both directions

TDOT announces new traffic flow for location, includes flyover

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

While the endgame is still nearly a year away, the I-55 bridge is back open — at least partially — as a new traffic pattern takes effect for those heading across the “Old Bridge” The northbound and southbound traffic has shifted to the new southbound flyover with one lane in each direction, according to a release from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Memphis-area drivers can return to driving on the I-55 and Crump interchange as of Sunday.

The new traffic pattern comes after months of work that required the complete closure of the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge corridor for weeks at a time. At times, including twice in the past two weeks, even minor incidents on the nearby I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge resulted in major traffic issues and a complete halt to travel across the river in either or sometimes both directions.

Now, the northbound and southbound traffic has shifted to the new southbound flyover with one lane in each direction, according to TDOT.

ATDOT outlines the following changes, now in place:

• I-55 northbound and southbound will be a single lane in each direction from I-55 at McLemore to the I-55 bridge.

• Riverside Drive northbound and southbound will be closed from EH Crump I-55 Interchange to Carolina Avenue.

• The Channel 3 ramp to and from Riverside Drive will be closed.

• The I-55 northbound exit ramp to EH Crump Boulevard will be closed.

• The I-55 northbound traffic will be shifted to a new southbound flyover that will be one lane in each direction.

• The on-ramp to I-55 northbound and the detour to Metal Museum Drive will be closed.

• I-55 northbound and southbound loop will be closed from Alston Avenue to I-55 northbound.

• The ramp from Alston Avenue to I-55 southbound will be closed.

During the latest closure,the Tennessee Department of Transportation shut down the I-55 Bridge over the Mississippi River from June 9 through June 23 as TDOT crews performed hydro-demolition and deck repair work on the bridge.

See BRIDGE, page A3

Photo courtesy of TDOT BRIDGE

From page A1

During the latest closure,the Tennessee Department of Transportation shut down the I-55 Bridge over the Mississippi River from June 9 through June 23 as TDOT crews performed hydro-demolition and deck repair work on the bridge.

TDOT said this most recent closure “should be the last two-week closure,” but the contract calls for four more weekend closures before the project is complete next spring.

TDOT said the Crump interchange is expected to be finished by spring 2025, if there are no unforeseen delays. Improvements to the I-55 Bridge is expected to support 64,000 drivers by the year 2050.

Here’s what driver’s need to know:

• I-55 SB will be closed at Bridgeport Road in Arkansas

• I-55 NB will be closed at South Parkway in Tennessee (Local traffic will be allowed to continue to the McLemore exit)

• I-55 SB ramp will be closed. Crump Boulevard WB will be closed. A detour will be posted.