Community Forums

harleyjt · 05-12-2021, 02:31 PM

FYI - For those of you planning to travel through Memphis on I-40 or I-55 take note that the I-40 bridge over the MS river was closed yesterday until further notice. It may be months before it is reopened All traffic on I-40 in both directions is being detoured over the I-55 bridge. One news account said it was a 54 minute trip over the I-55 bridge. Of course there is major congestion on both sides of the river. The issue deals with a crack in one of the beams under the bridge that was discovered yesterday about 3pm. The inspector immediately called for the closure. You might want to make alternate plans if your plans have you travelling I-40 or I-55 through Memphis. You can also cross the MS river at Helena, Greenville or Vicksburg MS. To the north, there is a bridge at Dyersburg TN.
jt

Sweetbriar · 05-12-2021, 02:39 PM

I'm not so sure the word "crack" adequate describes the problem.

harleyjt · 05-12-2021, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

I'm not so sure the word "crack" adequate describes the problem.

Wow! That's the first picture I've seen of it. That's not at all structurally insignificant. Plain scary! I understand the inspector that first saw it called 911 immediately.
jt

rfg9585 · 05-13-2021, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harleyjt

FYI - For those of you planning to travel through Memphis on I-40 or I-55 take note that the I-40 bridge over the MS river was closed yesterday until further notice. It may be months before it is reopened All traffic on I-40 in both directions is being detoured over the I-55 bridge. One news account said it was a 54 minute trip over the I-55 bridge. Of course there is major congestion on both sides of the river. The issue deals with a crack in one of the beams under the bridge that was discovered yesterday about 3pm. The inspector immediately called for the closure. You might want to make alternate plans if your plans have you travelling I-40 or I-55 through Memphis. You can also cross the MS river at Helena, Greenville or Vicksburg MS. To the north, there is a bridge at Dyersburg TN.
jt

Thanks for the info! Must say bummer as I planned to head over this bridge in less than a month. Is there a website for updates?

harleyjt · 05-13-2021, 08:24 AM

Best bet for updates would probably be the TDOT website. Possibly ARDOT as well.
jt

rfg9585 · 05-13-2021, 09:03 AM

Did a little google street view surfing. Probably will stick to boondocking at Bass pro by bridge, then head south to catch I55->i40 early next am. Will do a trial run with Jeep night b4.

spuds · 05-13-2021, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harleyjt

Best bet for updates would probably be the TDOT website. Possibly ARDOT as well.
jt

Definitely - they are saying that it could be closed for months

REPAIRS TO I-40 BRIDGE OVER MISSISSIPPI RIVER COULD TAKE MONTHS – 105.7 News Crossville Rockwood Knoxville TN

Biljol · 05-13-2021, 12:31 PM

That almost looks like it was cut.

Mr.Goodbar · 05-13-2021, 09:11 PM

The story on The Weather Channel quoted inspectors saying weather had a big impact but also just plain fatigue.
One of the most heavily used east-west interstate bridges. It would be like closing I-70 bridges at St. Louis.

hohenwald48 · 05-14-2021, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfg9585

Did a little google street view surfing. Probably will stick to boondocking at Bass pro by bridge, then head south to catch I55->i40 early next am. Will do a trial run with Jeep night b4.

If you boondock at BassPro in Memphis be sure to lock everything up and don't go outside after dark. You won't exactly be in one of the safest neighborhoods.

I lived in Memphis for 60 years and there's no way I'd boondock in that area.

rfg9585 · 05-14-2021, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

If you boondock at BassPro in Memphis be sure to lock everything up and don't go outside after dark. You won't exactly be in one of the safest neighborhoods.

I lived in Memphis for 60 years and there's no way I'd boondock in that area.

Done this before and its not that bad. They do have 24hr security driving thru the lot. I will be at the Bass Pro at the bridge, not the one on the east side which is not safe.

hohenwald48 · 05-14-2021, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfg9585

Done this before and its not that bad. They do have 24hr security driving thru the lot. I will be at the Bass Pro at the bridge, not the one on the east side which is not safe.

Like most things, it ain't bad until it is. Good luck.

4Relaxn · 06-01-2021, 03:34 PM

Thanks so much for the info on the Bridge closure! That's a HUGE bit of info. So has anybody crossed the Mississippi river up north of there, on Rt 60/51 near Cairo and Wickliffe? I just read a suggestion to try to avoid it there because the two bridges at that spot were extremely "Narrow." As a result I was getting ready to re-route down to US 40, until I saw this post. We'll be in a 45 ft MH, wondering if anybody else has some insight on those two bridges on RT 60?

andy29847 · 06-01-2021, 03:54 PM

It is NARROW, but not to narrow. You have to be brave if you meet someone. I-555 (north of Memphis) or Hwy 49 (south of Memphis) are good options if narrow bothers you. One good thing about going over near Cario, you can continue west to Sikeston, MO and eat at Lambert's. It's Mmmmmm good.

62/51 bridge