I-40/Hernando DeSoto Seismic Bridge Work to be Complete This Weekend

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The contractor working to seismically retrofit the I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge anticipates, weather permitting, all lanes will be open this weekend, a week ahead of the contracted schedule. Crews have safely and successfully installed all six new seismic expansion bridge joints. All three new seismic expansion joints are in place on the westbound side as well as the three on the eastbound side. 

 

The contractor initially planned to reopen the bridge on Friday, November 5 but rain has delayed the work to restripe the driving lanes. At this time, the contractor is completing the removal of the portable concrete barriers. Once that is complete, the bridge deck must be dry for a 24 hour period before restriping the traffic lanes can begin. Weather permitting the restriping will begin tomorrow with hopes of safely opening to traffic this weekend. Traffic remains reduced to one 11-foot travel lane in each direction near exit 1. The two right (outside) lanes will be closed until completion of the project. Wide loads and over height loads must utilize the I-155 Bridge in Dyersburg until the project is finished. 

 

TDOT has created a project website, http://www.tn.gov/tdot/i40hd/, to keep the public informed about the project.

 

For up-to-date travel information visit the TDOT SmartWay website at http://www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/ or dial 5-1-1 from any land-line or cellular phone.  TDOT is also on Twitter. For traffic alerts in the Memphis area follow @Memphis511 on Twitter or follow @TN511 for statewide updates.

 

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For More Information Contact:

Nichole Lawrence

Region 4 Community Relations Officer

731-935-0318