TDOT shows what a new I-55 bridge could look like on Memphis skyline

David Royer
·2 min read

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A video released over the weekend shows a glimpse of what a proposed new bridge over the Mississippi River in Memphis might look like.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is studying plans for a new bridge to replace the current 75-year-old bridge that carries Interstate 55 over the river.

“We have applied for this grant with the Federal Highway Administration. It’s part of their large bridge grant. It’s for a replacement of the I-55 Bridge,” said Nichole Lawrence, TDOT spokesperson.

TN, AR work together on proposed new I-55 bridge

The proposed bridge would span about one and a half miles.

TDOT presented several options for how many towers and spans the proposed bridge might have, but the options shown in the video have a similar, modern design compared to the old steel bridges that now cross between Tennessee and Arkansas.

► Video: Proposed new I-55 bridge

The current Memphis Arkansas bridge was built in 1949 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. TDOT says it was not designed for modern interstate standards and has narrow, 11-foot lanes with almost no shoulder.

“The current condition of the bridge, the I-55 is really questionable. It’s not wide enough to provide any kind of emergency lanes on either side. So, it’s not as safe as it should be,” said John Dudas, Greater Memphis Chamber Transporation Committee Chairman.

The new bridge would have four 12-foot lanes with wide shoulders on each side.

“You guys know this as well as I do, you all are from Memphis. You drive these roads every day and that bridge, it’s not seismic or retrofitted,” Lawrence said. “The lanes are very narrow. So, this replacement would fix a lot of those problems.”

TDOT also says it would increase safety making it more earthquake resistant, bridge modernization would reduce maintenance costs, and improve route resiliency critical for freight rail and air cargo routes.

They are now asking for feedback about the proposed project.

“We got three days left for everyone to provide their comment,” Lawrence said. “They can go on the America’s River Crossing webpage and provide those comments for the next three days.”

TDOT is asking for feedback on the bridge proposals. You can leave feedback here.

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