New I-55 bridge connecting West Memphis to Memphis to be dubbed ‘Kings’ Crossing’
by August 25, 2025 10:56 am 5,602 views
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced that the new Interstate 55 bridge spanning the Mississippi River between West Memphis and Memphis will now be known as Kings’ Crossing.
This new name, officially adopted by the Arkansas Highway Commission and the Tennessee General Assembly, honors three transformative figures – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; B.B. King; and the king of rock-n-roll Elvis Presley.
“It’s only fitting to name this vital crossing after three historic figures from this region,” said ARDOT Director Jared Wiley. “We’re grateful for the partnership and collaboration with TDOT on this project. It truly is the result of a regional effort that will benefit industry across this national corridor and the thousands of individuals who depend on this connection each day.”
“Kings’ Crossing is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a symbol of our collective history, heritage, and the enduring spirit of unity that defines this region,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid. “Naming this bridge in honor of these gentlemen pays tribute to their extraordinary legacies – individuals who transcended barriers, fostered cultural exchange, and used their talents to build bridges between people.”
In July 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $400 million to Arkansas and Tennessee toward replacing the I-55 Bridge. In addition to the nearly $400 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, ARDOT and TDOT have each committed up to $200 million. This marks the single-largest transportation investment ever in both Arkansas and Tennessee.
The I-55 Bridge, one of the busiest freight bridges in the world, is set to undergo a comprehensive overhaul to add capacity, improve safety standards, ensure route resiliency, and maintain optimal operational conditions. The existing 75-year-old bridge will be replaced with a larger structure designed to meet modern seismic codes, as it sits on the New Madrid fault line.
The environmental process is wrapping up on the I-55 Bridge Replacement project. Design is underway, and right-of-way coordination should begin later this year. Construction is estimated to start in fiscal year 2026. ARDOT and TDOT are partnering to design and construct the bridge.