America’s River Crossing Bridge Replacement (I-55 Bridge)

The proposed project will replace the existing 75-year-old I-55 bridge to improve safety, provide a reliant route, and maintain a state of good repair. The proposed project will improve mobility, provide safer and improved driving conditions and address traffic flow and operations for local and regional motorists and travelers in the tri-state area. The new bridge will provide the critical connector to serve residents, workers and freight moving between Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Other project benefits and goals include:

  • Reducing future maintenance costs;
  • Providing a new bridge that meets modern seismic code (earthquake resistant);
  • Enhancing local and regional freight movement;
  • Enhancing multimodal connectivity, including non-motorized access with the Big River Crossing;
  • Improving economic vitality; and
  • Innovative and timely delivery, utilizing a Large Bridge Investment Program (BIP) grant award.

Current Status: FHWA has approved the draft environmental document, and TDOT received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in April 2025. TDOT is currently in the process of completing functional design with an on-going collaboration between the Designer of Record, Program Management Consultant, Construction Manager/General Contractor, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).

Bridge Naming: While the Project’s initiative will be known as America’s River Crossing, the bridge itself will carry its own distinct name to identify the structure. TDOT and ARDOT are proud to announce that the new iconic I-55 bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas, will now be known as Kings' Crossing.

This new name, officially adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly and the Arkansas Highway Commission, honors three transformative figures known as "Kings": Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; B.B. King; and Elvis Presley.

Funding Type: TDOT and ARDOT have each committed up to $200 million, demonstrating a collaborative effort to fund this bridge replacement. This marks the single-largest transportation investment in Tennessee and Arkansas' state history. Transportation Modernization Act funds have been allocated for the proposed project. The TDOT and ARDOT partnership will also utilize a $393.75 million Bridge Investment Program (BIP) US DOT grant to help fund the project, which was announced in July 2024 .

History and Background


History and Background

The Memphis-Arkansas Bridge opened in December 1949 and was originally part of the US 40 corridor. It replaced narrow traffic lanes on the Harahan Bridge, constructed in 1916. The Memphis-Arkansas Bridge carries I-55 across the Mississippi River and is the southernmost of the bridges in the Memphis area. In 2001, the bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. TDOT and ARDOT have coordinated on numerous studies since 2003, including:

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Public Involvement and Engagement

In accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations and under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an environmental document is required that identifies the significance of a project’s environmental impact. A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared, and can be viewed at the links below.

TDOT held two Public Meetings in April 2024 and two Public Hearings in November 2024. Representatives from the Department presented information relative to the general location, major design features, the social, economic, environmental, and/or other effects of the proposed Project, the relocation assistance program, construction and any other matters of public interest. The public was invited to ask questions and to make comments during the hearings.

Alternative Delivery Page and Information

Draft Environmental Assessment and Line & Grade Design

Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

Notice Of Availability (NOA)

Public Hearing Exhibits

Other Public Involvement Resources

Project Contacts