I-55 bridge closed through June 23 for repair work

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mid-South drivers should prepare for a closure of the I-55 bridge as construction work continues on the I-55 and Crump interchange. 

The Tennessee Department of Transportation said the I-55 Bridge over the Mississippi River will close from 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 through 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2024. TDOT said crews will be doing hydro-demolition and deck repair work on the bridge.

This construction has caused some drivers like Amanda Williford to wonder if the longtime project to redo the Crump interchange will ever be finished. 

"It's really a hassle because I live really close to the exit, so I have to find alternate routes," Williford said. "So, it takes me quite a long time to get home." 

Truck driver Rodney Taliaferro said the bridge shutting down can alter his entire day. 

"It adds an extra 15 minutes if I'm going down straight 55, which may not sound like a whole lot of time. That's the difference between getting home and having to take a 10-hour break before you get home," he said. 

Taliaferro said he's been driving along the I-55 bridge for more than 20 years, but this the first time in a few years it will be an issue. 

"This is the first time this has been a real big inconvenience for the past year and a half," Taliaferro said. "Every time they shut it down it's just a pain in the butt because everything goes to 40 and you have to come to 240 to go around." 

TDOT told ABC24 this should be the last two-week closure, but the contract calls for four more weekend closures before the project is complete next spring. 

Dallas Bowling, a truck driver doesn't believe the bridge closure is a big deal. He said this construction project has become something he's gotten used to. 

"We know it's here because of how long it's been here already," Bowling said. "I've only been coming through here in this area for about two years and it's been here the whole time, so I'm used to it." 

TDOT said the Crump interchange is expected to be finished by spring 2025. Improvements to the I-55 Bridge is expected to support 64,000 drivers by the year 2050. 

Here’s what driver’s need to know:

• I-55 SB will be closed at Bridgeport Road in Arkansas
• I-55 NB will be closed at South Parkway* in Tennessee
  • *Local traffic will be allowed to continue to the McLemore exit
• I-55 SB ramp will be closed.
• Crump Boulevard WB will be closed**
  • A detour will be posted.

Traffic Pattern

I-55 SB outside lane will be closed from the west end of the I-55 Bridge through the project site. The SB inside lane will cross-over at the east end of the I-55 Bridge and share the current I-55 NB cloverleaf ramp with I-55 NB and utilize the inside lane of the future I-55 NB from the cloverleaf to the south end of the project.

1. I-55 NB outside lane of cloverleaf ramp will be closed to allow for I-55 SB use and the outside lane will remain closed to the west end of the I-55 Bridge.
2. Wisconsin Avenue is opened.
3. Crump Boulevard from Kentucky St. to Metal Museum Drive is closed.
4. Metal Museum Drive from Alston to I-55 NB is closed.
5. Riverside Drive SB will remain closed at Carolina.
6. Riverside Drive NB will remain closed to Carolina.
7. Channel 3 ramp to Riverside Drive SB will remain closed.
8. Channel 3 ramp from Riverside Drive SB will remain closed.