MEMPHIS, Tenn. — UPDATE 7/16/2021 - Contractors are making progress on the phase three repairs of the I-40 Hernando de Soto bridge in Memphis.
TDOT said the first six plates arrived on site Thursday and are being installed.
Design plans for the remaining ten plates are being finalized for fabrication.
The prep work continues cutting access holes for the additional plates and building the platform, which will be complete by Sunday.
Operations are expected to resume 24/7 next week.
From TDOT:
A reminder, we have added two new portable cameras: One to monitor work on the I-40 bridge and one to monitor traffic at the I-55 Crump Interchange.
All interstate traffic in the Memphis area is being diverted to I-55. To help you plan ahead, every Monday, we are posting estimated average travel delays for the week on our website so you can see which days and times to avoid. You can also view real-time digital message signs alerting you of any incidents.
TDOT HELP trucks are stationed on both sides of the I-55 bridge to respond quickly to any incidents and keep lanes open. Below are direct links to the TDOT SmartWay cameras posted at the east and west approaches of I-55 for live traffic information.
We are holding daily meetings with ARDOT, our consultants, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and FHWA to develop and expedite the repair project while managing traffic along the alternate routes.
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7/12/2021 - Work to fix the Hernando de Soto bridge (I-40 bridge) over the Mississippi River in Memphis continues. Monday, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) said 16 plates need to be repaired, and the first shipment of plates could come this week.
The bridge was shut down May 11 after inspectors found a crack in a beam which is critical for the bridge's structural integrity. All interstate traffic in the Memphis area continues being diverted to I-55.
For additional updates from TDOT, click here.