Lane closures loom as I-55 roundabout construction nears

‘Old Bridge’ to go down to one lane for long-in-the-works project

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

The long-discussed Interstate 55 construction project to improve traffic flow at the Crump Boulevard and Interstate interchange in Memphis commences June 6. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) last week green lighted the project announced in West Memphis with standing room only public information meetings during May of 2015. TDOT’s $141 million eight-year project at the east end of the ‘old’ Memphis and Arkansas Bridge planned an eightmonth lane closure at the outset. The first step planned returns the southbound ramp just past the Memphis end of the bridge to one lane.

TDOT expanded the exit to two lanes this time last year to accommodate the drastic increase in traffic flow after

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the Interstate 40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge was closed to repair a critical crack in the supporting super structure. That new extra lane was set to be eliminated to accommodate construction. Now drivers may want to consider Interstate 40 as an alternative route into Memphis. Planners called for the southbound ramp return to one lane with a cement barrier wall closing it and the shoulder to traf_c for eight months at the onset of the new construction. TDOT announced no restrictions to interstate truck traf_c during the _rst phase.

The entire scope of project included improvements to the I-55 and Crump Boulevard interchange by constructing new through travel lanes for mainline I-55 traf_c, which will eliminate the requirement for interstate traf_c to use the low-speed ramps in order to continue on I-55. A new multi-lane roundabout intersection will be constructed to replace the existing cloverleaf interchange and provide improved access to and from I-55 and existing local roadways. The project will also include repairs to the I-55 river bridge deck.

The bridge closing needed to facilitate the project was the hot button topic in the 2015 public meetings in West Memphis. At various points in the subsequent planning phase bridge closures of three to _ve years had been considered. After the Interstate 40 bridge over the Mississippi River last summer planners strived for a more abbreviated bridge closure for the new work on the old bridge. Project managers with Bell Construction now planned eight weekends and two two-week periods for the Memphis and Arkansas Bridge to be closed entirely but had not yet set dates for those Interstate construction closings.

The TDOT project map showed the lane and shoulder closed from the I-55 interchange at Crump Blvd. to Wisconsin Ave. as the _rst step. Concrete barriers blocking the lane were planned for eight months, through the end of 2022. The details came with a warning to motorists that the ramp reduction from two lanes to one lane could cause slowdowns especially during rush hours. TDOT Region 4 Public Information Of_cer Nicole Lawrence asked drivers to check online for traf_c delays and allow more travel time for southbound trips during the initial phase of the project. The TDOT SmartWay Traf_c website displays road and lane closures, traf_c cameras from West Memphis through Memphis, announces weather related road conditions and message signboards along Tennessee highways. Drivers were urged to check on their routes before starting out so as to avoid the hazards of distracted driving.

“Anytime there’s a traf_c adjustment we hope people manage their time, leave earlier, or look for an alternative route,” said Lawrence.

Southbound Interstate 55 construction at the Tennessee state line begins Monday, June 6. The continuation ramp from the Memphis and Arkansas Bridge to the interstate was planned to be reduced to one lane for eight months.

Graphic courtesy TDOT