Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) have been awarded a historic $393,750,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to fund the replacement of the aging Interstate 55 (I-55) Bridge, also known as America’s River Crossing, which connects West Memphis, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Major Investment in Infrastructure
The USDOT’s announcement on Friday, July 12, marks a significant milestone for the project, which aims to replace the 75-year-old bridge. The grant, funded through the Bridge Investment Program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is the largest ever received by ARDOT. The new bridge is expected to enhance redundancy, improve resiliency, comply with modern seismic codes, and bolster connectivity and economic vitality along this critical freight corridor.
The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $800 million. In addition to the nearly $400 million from the USDOT, both ARDOT and TDOT have each committed up to $250 million to ensure the project’s completion.
Collaboration and Advocacy
“I’m proud of the collaboration between Arkansas, Tennessee, and other regional stakeholders to help secure this important infrastructure funding for our region,” said ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor. “Thank you to the USDOT for recognizing the significance of this project and choosing to invest in this critical link between Arkansas and Tennessee. I’d like to give a special thanks to Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation for their support and advocacy of this project.”
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating, “Arkansas is where America’s road, river, and rail infrastructure meet. Today’s announcement – the largest shared infrastructure project in our two states’ history – will help cement Arkansas’ status as a transportation and logistics leader while bringing more visitors to our state. I’m thankful to Governor Bill Lee and the other state and local leaders who got it done.”
Next Steps and Community Engagement
Environmental studies for the new bridge are currently underway, and public hearings are scheduled for August to gather input and ensure community engagement in the planning process.
The replacement of the I-55 Bridge is a critical infrastructure project that will significantly impact the region’s transportation network and economic landscape. By improving the bridge’s resilience and connectivity, the project aims to support the movement of goods and people across the Mississippi River, fostering economic growth and development in both Arkansas and Tennessee.
For more information about America’s River Crossing project, click here.
