I-40 is reopening just in time for a new major bridge project to commence

A previously planned bridge repair project is still in the works for 2022 despite the recent traffic headaches caused by the unexpected closure of the I-40 bridge in Memphis. 

For the last three months, the I-40 bridge has been closed in some capacity for emergency repairs. Now, both the eastbound and westbound sides of the bridge will be fully reopened by Friday, August 6th, but the traffic disruptions are not quite over for the Memphis, Tennessee area. 

The Tennessee Department of Transportation says that a previously planned construction project is expected to begin on Crump Boulevard leading up to the Interstate 55 bridge in 2022, and they’re not sure how this will affect the old bridge or the drivers who use it every day, reported News Channel 3.

“Hopefully, any repairs that they do they’ll be conscious of how it will affect us,” said West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. “I’m not looking forward (to it) but if it comes, we’ll just deal with it and adapt to it as we have done now.”

TDOT officials are currently seeking public comment on the upcoming project.