Officials order emergency shutdown of I-40 bridge after a crack is discovered

Transportation officials have shut down a major bridge at the Arkansas/Tennessee state line until further notice due to the discovery of a crack in the structure.

On Tuesday afternoon, all lanes of the Hernando Desoto Bridge that carries I-40 over the Mississippi River in Memphis are closed until further notice.

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, a crack was discovered during a routine inspection. Officials will need to perform further inspections to make sure that the bridge is safe before traffic will be allowed to cross.

https://t.co/hjBj7RD9JU – A routine inspection of I-40 MS River Bridge revealed a crack that requires further investigation – we’re working with @myTDOT to make sure the bridge is safe for motorists before we reopen it. Stay tuned to @IDriveArkansas for updates!

— Arkansas DOT (@myARDOT) May 11, 2021

Driver are being asked to use the I-55 bridge to cross the Mississippi River.

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