$893 million committed to I-55 bridge replacement on Arkansas-Tennessee border

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 66 views 

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) were jointly awarded on Friday (July 12) a $393.75 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation to use toward the replacement of the Interstate 55 bridge over the Mississippi River between West Memphis, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn.

ARDOT and TDOT were co-applicants for the grant to replace the aging, 75-year-old bridge. Federal officials announced the historic grant, allowing the project to move forward. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, July 18 in Memphis to provide more details.

The grant is funded through the Bridge Investment Program under President Biden’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which received no votes from Arkansas’ all GOP Congressional delegation.

This is the largest grant ever received by ARDOT.

The new I-55 bridge will provide redundancy, improve resiliency, meet modern seismic code, and improve connectivity and economic vitality along this major freight corridor.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $800 million. In addition to the $393 million investment from the USDOT, ARDOT and TDOT have each committed up to $250 million to complete the bridge replacement.

“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.”

“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,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “I’m thankful to Governor Bill Lee and the other state and local leaders who got it done.”

Environmental studies are underway and public hearings are slated for August.