Patience is key: Week 2 of construction on I-55 bridge

Shay Simon
·1 min read
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Bumper-to-bumper, traffic jams on the Interstate 40 bridge have caused backups due to the Memphis to Arkansas Interstate 55 bridge being closed for construction.

Patience will be key in week two as construction continues on the Crump Boulevard interchange for six more days.

I-55 bridge closed for construction

“I would just encourage everyone to have a lot of patience. I know that’s easier said than done,” said DeWayne Rose, the Director of the Office of Emergency Management for the City of West Memphis. “Obviously, there is a lot of traffic when you’re taking that 40k a day traffic to the 65k traffic on I-40, you’re going to have delays.”

Rose says that twice a day, Arkansas partners, Memphis leaders, ARDOT and TDOT are in constant communication. So far, everything is on schedule.

“They’re going to be doing some hydro demolition going back with some polymer concrete,” said Nichole Lawrence, with TDOT communications. “They’ll just continue to work 24/7 until March 24 at 8 p.m. if not sooner.”

TDOT releases 10-year plan for proposed I-55 bridge project

But until then if you find yourself stuck in traffic on the new bridge, Rose says there are some helpful tools.

“Use those apps, IDriveArkansas and MyTdot. They are really convenient,” Rose said. “They can show you what routes are blocked or delayed.”

The Crump interchange is set to be completed early next year.

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