Tennessee Lands Major Investment to Modernize Memphis Infrastructure
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
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- Tennessee plans to replace the I-55 Bridge with a $400M federal investment.
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- The project enhances safety, connectivity, and economic vitality for the region.
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- The new bridge will accommodate 64,000 vehicles daily by 2050, reducing congestion.
Nashville, Tenn.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced plans to replace the I-55 Bridge over the Mississippi River. This project, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Arkansas, marks the largest transportation investment in Tennessee history.
Earlier today, the U.S. Department of Transportation informed Congress of a federal investment of nearly $400 million to cover half the cost of replacing the I-55 Bridge, known as America’s River Crossing. This is a significant step towards enhancing regional and national connectivity and safety.
“This investment in Memphis marks the largest transportation investment in Tennessee history and will transform our infrastructure,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “The new I-55 Bridge will enhance safety, efficiency, multimodal connectivity, and economic vitality by facilitating smoother freight movement and improving regional accessibility. I thank our partners in the federal government, Arkansas, and Memphis community for their commitment to this project.”
Alongside the $400 million federal investment, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), using funds from the Transportation Modernization Act, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) have each committed up to $250 million. These joint efforts aim to meet the infrastructure needs of the region.
The I-55 Bridge, crucial for national commerce, will receive a comprehensive overhaul to add capacity, improve safety standards, and meet modern seismic codes, as it sits on the New Madrid fault line. The existing bridge has served travelers for 75 years.
By 2050, the state-of-the-art I-55 Bridge is projected to accommodate around 64,000 vehicles daily, significantly more than the current 48,000. This will benefit residents, workers, and businesses across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, reducing traffic congestion, lowering accident rates, and optimizing traffic flow in one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors.
"This historic project is four times larger than anything we have previously built. This partnership with states and the federal government shows our commitment to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions that support growth and economic prosperity," said Deputy Governor and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Butch Eley. “This investment was made possible by the bold leadership of Governor Lee, the Tennessee General Assembly, and the extraordinary support from our Tennessee Congressional delegation.”
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