TDOT: I-55 bridge back open early as new traffic pattern takes effect

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis-area drivers can return to driving on the I-55 and Crump interchange, according to Tennessee traffic officials.

As previously reported, a new traffic pattern for drivers to follow is in effect as the I-55 bridge opens back up, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) said.

The northbound and southbound traffic has shifted to the new southbound flyover with one lane in each direction, according to TDOT.

TDOT said the following now takes place:

• I-55 northbound and southbound will be a single lane in each direction from I-55 at McLemore to the I-55 bridge.
• Riverside Drive northbound and southbound will be closed from EH Crump I-55 Interchange to Carolina Avenue.  
• The Channel 3 ramp to and from Riverside Drive will be closed.
• The I-55 northbound exit ramp to EH Crump Boulevard will be closed.
• The I-55 northbound traffic will be shifted to a new southbound flyover that will be one lane in each direction.
• The On-ramp to I-55 northbound and the detour to Metal Museum Drive will be closed.
• I-55 northbound and southbound loop will be closed from Alston Avenue to I-55 northbound.
• The ramp from Alston Avenue to I-55 southbound will be closed.

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

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. 

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 generally 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.