Community Forums

MarvinG · 07-21-2021, 09:35 PM

I suddenly need to make a trip from our home near Chattanooga, TN to Hot Springs, Arkansas. I believe the I40 bridge in Memphis is still out. My dad was put on a ventilator today and my brother needs me to there with him to help make the decisions that have to be made.

So, I’m looking for best routes and other helpful info between here and there. Will be driving our RV and towing the pickup.

Thanks,

Marvin

Toby Dog · 07-22-2021, 03:49 AM

Prayers for your Dad. The next bridge south of I40 (I55) is open and sadly the only way to go. Time it right and you can minimize the pain.

Rick_V · 07-22-2021, 04:23 AM

I was in that area in late, May the I-55 bridge was the only option. We were in that area for a few days. I don't know why but eastbound was a nightmare and westbound wasn't real bad.

Phillieagle · 07-22-2021, 06:38 AM

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

2 Choices 72 Across top of Alabama and MS. 269 around south Memphis and I 55 Bridge or 4o through Nashville to I-55 Bridge.

My choice would be 72 to Memphis.

I 40 bridge is still out.

**Spdracr39** · 07-22-2021, 06:42 AM

Not a super big deal but there is big construction through downtown Little Rock over the river on I-30. It would be best to take the I-440 bypass to avoid it. Also there is construction on the other side of Benton. It is all the way to the Highway 70 exit which you will need to take to get to Hot Springs. It isn't bad but be aware of it.

RichKimball · 07-22-2021, 10:44 AM

You could always divert south to Helena and cross the Big Mississippi there...then travel up to Hot Springs. Just a thought.

MarvinG · 07-22-2021, 02:19 PM

Thank you to all who responded.

MarvinG · 07-24-2021, 08:49 AM

We took 72 across to the I55 bridge.hitting it at 1:00 AM. At that time no traffic issues at all. Slept over at Cracker Barrel in West Memphis. Highway 72 is indeed a great road to travel. Can’t say the same for the interstate from West Memphis down to Hot Springs. It just beat us to death! As suggested we also did bypass Little Rock construction using 440. All in all it went well and again thank you so much for all of your tips and suggestions.