TDOT fast-tracks new I-55 bridge, plans to open by 2031

Crump Blvd. project set to be completed in 2025

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

There’s a lot going on in the expanse between West Memphis and Memphis, as government agencies and officials work to improve the flow of traffic across the Mississippi River.

After originally projecting 10 to 15 years to complete a new Interstate 55 bridge between the two cities, Tennessee Department of Transportation officials have bumped up the timeline for the project substantially.

In a move that will be a major overhaul for not only local but also regional transportation and traffic, the replacement of the I-55 bridge has been fast tracked to begin much sooner than expected. TDOT said last week that construction on the new I-55 bridge is expected to begin in 2026, wrapping up by 2031.

“This isn’t one of those projects that will last 10-15 years in development and construction,” said Brandon Akins is the Tennessee Department of Transportation project director. “Our goal is to get this to the people as quick as possible.”

The I-55 bridge repair and replacement public meetings were held last week in Memphis and West Memphis.

Funding is pending, with federal approval and state contributions expected.

Akins says the biggest challenge they face with this construction is just how uncommon it is here in Memphis. The bridge will be the first of its kind using these materials in the state of Tennessee, Akins said.

“We don’t deal with major river crossings on a day-today basis so we’re looking for assistance from the community that has the experience and bringing together the best staff to make sure this project is delivered on time.”

Yes, the public can make its voice heard on the new bridge, which will be replacing the current 75-year-old bridge. The environmental study is complete, and the developing I-55 bridge results were unveiled at two public meetings.

“We had a concept that we showed back at April and we’ve done some tweaks,” said Nichole Lawrence, the Tennessee Department of Transportation regional communications officer. She says the adjustments made on the bridge were needed.

“It’s a small area. The emergency lanes are very small with the 10-foot-lanes. That will be changed with this new bridge. They’ll have three 12–

See BRIDGE, page A13

Photo courtesy of TDOT 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.