The Interstate 55 bridge that connects Memphis to Arkansas was shut down Sunday night, and will remain closed for the next two weeks following construction.
The following roads along with the bridge will be closed due to construction:
- I-55 southbound at Bridgeport Road in Arkansas
- I-55 northbound at South Parkway
- I-55 southbound ramp will be closed
- Crump Boulevard westbound will be closed
“They’re going to be doing some hydro demolition going back with some polymer concrete,” said Nichole Lawrence, with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) communications. “They got started off with a bang last night and they’ll just continue to work 24/7 until March 24 at 8 p.m. if not sooner.”
The main detour for drivers will be the Interstate 40 Bridge.
City leaders in West Memphis, Memphis, along with TDOT and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), have been meeting to keep traffic moving in case of emergencies.
Once the I-55 bridge reopens, it, along with the I-40 bridge, is expected to see an increase in traffic as tourists visit the area.
Back in 2021 when the I-40 bridge was found to have cracks and was shut down for weeks, many traveled to either Dyersburg or Helena-West Helena to cross the river while repairs were being made.
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Source: WREG
