BRIDGE

From page A1

foot lanes, plus the 12-foot shoulders.”

Dave Parker, public information officer for the Arkansas Department of Transportation, says they are contributing over $200 million to this project just like TDOT is. And he’s very excited about its potential.

“Where the bridge connects now in West Memphis and where the bridge connects now in Memphis won’t change a whole lot,” he said.

“It’s the middle part, the deck , the mile and a half stretch that’s what we’re gonna be building new.”

The new bridge is expected to be three times taller than the current one, which some say may alter views from the historic French Fort neighborhood.

Parker says they are still in the developing and designing stages.

“All the preliminary stuff should be finished late 25 early 26 and therefore construction will follow sometime in 2026 we’re estimating it’s gonna take 2 to 3 years on this and that’s a fair guess at this point… if we get it all wrapped up…we’re cutting the ribbon on the new bridge by 2030. I think that’s pretty good bet.”

Ctump Roundabout Update

Crews are also revamping the Crump Boulevard intersection with a modern roundabout.

Akins says this project replaces the outdated cloverleaf interchange, boosting safety and access to I-55 and local roads. He says it will not interfere with the construction process of the bridge. tern revealed “The Crump interchange project is set to be completed early next year. The roundabout will give free flow movement from the north and south of I-55. It will be completed before construction on the I-55 bridge replacement begins,” Akins said.

Nearby, since last year, workers have been turning the Crump Boulevard interchange just east of the bridge into a roundabout. That segment should be done early next year.