News Summary
The I-55 Mississippi River bridge in West Memphis has reopened, just days after an emergency closure for repairs. While the bridge is now accessible, ongoing construction at the I-55 and Crump Interchange will cause detours. A new bridge is planned to replace the aging structure as part of the Americaโs River Crossing project, which aims to enhance safety and accommodate increased traffic in the future.
West Memphis, Arkansas – The I-55 Mississippi River bridge reopened early on the morning of March 23, 2025, just two days after its closure for emergency repairs. The bridge had initially been scheduled to remain closed from March 21, 2025, at 8 p.m. until March 24, 2025, at 6 a.m., prompting local authorities to announce the temporary closure via social media on March 13, 2025. The unexpected early reopening will allow drivers to resume using this critical thoroughfare across the Mississippi River.
Despite the reopening, construction activities will continue on the I-55 and Crump Interchange, and drivers are advised to anticipate detours during ongoing repair work. The existing bridge will ultimately be replaced as part of a long-term plan that aims to address issues related to age and safety.
The bridge has served as a vital transportation link for over 75 years, accommodating more than 38,000 vehicles per day. The new bridge, part of the project titled Americaโs River Crossing, is designed to handle an expected daily traffic flow of 64,000 vehicles by 2050. Plans for the new cable-stayed bridge feature advanced seismic-resistant designs to withstand significant seismic events, such as a 1,000-year seismic challenge, without sustaining damage.
The I-55 bridge was deemed unsuitable for seismic retrofitting due to its age and the projected costs for such retrofitting are estimated between $250-$500 million. To replace the aging infrastructure, a total construction cost of $787.5 million has been projected. The project is being managed by Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., with engineering and design services provided by Parsons Transportation Group Inc., who were awarded the contract in October 2024.
The new bridge will span approximately 5,222 feet, including approach spans, and is strategically planned to comply with modern seismic codes, particularly given its location on the New Madrid fault line. Notably, the design will incorporate “displacement-based seismic design”, enhancing foundation seismic demand by at least 25%, a critical consideration for long-term safety.
Right-of-way acquisition for the overall project is set to commence later in 2025, with construction expected to begin during fiscal year 2026. This ambitious project stands out as the largest single transportation investment in the history of the state, supported by a significant federal grant of nearly $400 million from the Bridge Investment Program, in addition to various state funding commitments.
As the construction progresses, the City of West Memphis urges residents and visitors alike to stay informed on the status of road closures, detours, and construction timelines. This project not only aims to enhance infrastructure but also seeks to improve the overall safety and efficiency of transportation for years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Traffic Delays on I-40 East in West Memphis Due to Pothole Repair Work
Exciting Changes Coming to Memphis: New Bridge on the Horizon!
Additional Resources
- Local Memphis: I-55 Bridge Closed for Construction
- Wikipedia: Mississippi River
- ENR: Tennessee Picks Kiewit for $787M Mississippi River Bridge Replacement
- Google Search: I-55 Bridge construction
- THV11: Closure of I-55 Mississippi River Bridge Extended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
- Fox13 Memphis: Two Children Seen Running on I-55 Bridge
- Google News: I-55 Bridge news
- KBSI: I-55 Mississippi River Bridge to Close for Construction This Weekend
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
