Southern Gateway Public Meetings Planned Across Region

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– Beginning in late March, six public meetings will be held to discuss the Southern Gateway Transportation Project which is intended to improve travel across the Mississippi River for people and freight resulting in better connections to the tri-state region (TN, AR and MS) and the nation. The meetings held by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, Mississippi Department of Transportation, the West Memphis Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Memphis Metropolitan Planning Organization will consider how to address cross-river transportation needs for various modes of transportation (highway, freight railroad, passenger railroad, and bicycle/pedestrian) in the Memphis metropolitan area now and in the future.

 

The plan for the Southern Gateway Project (previously known as the Third Mississippi River Bridge project) will analyze the costs, benefits, and impacts of various transportation improvement options. It will also outline how improvements could be implemented in a way that is sensitive to the environment and the needs of local communities.

 

Tennessee Transportation Commissioner John Schroer encourages the public to take this opportunity to participate and provide input on their transportation needs in this critical connection for the nation. “This area is home to five Class I railroads, the world’s second busiest cargo airport, the nation’s fourth largest inland port, and interstate routes that carry some of the highest truck volumes in the nation. As the population grows and traffic congestion builds, our aging bridges and roadways are showing strain,” says Schroer.

 

The meetings will include a short video presented every half hour, followed by a brief question and answer period. Time also will be provided for the public to view project materials, provide input on the purpose and need for the project, and also provide input on the potential broad corridors where the project may be located. Representatives of each state transportation department will be available to answer questions regarding any aspect of the project. More information is available on the project website: http://www.southerngatewayproject.com. The meetings are scheduled for the following Mondays and Tuesdays:

 

4 - 7 p.m.                                                        4 – 6:30 p.m.                                     4 – 7 p.m.

NSA Mid-South Conference Center         M. R. Dye Public Library                   MATA Board Room

5700 Attu Street                                           2885 Goodman Road                      545 S Main Street

Millington, TN 38053                                  Horn Lake, MS 38637                       Memphis, TN 38103

 

4 – 7 p.m.                                                       4 – 7 p.m.                                           4 – 7 p.m.

Impact Baptist Church                                 Eugene Woods Civic Center          Bishop Byrne High School

3759 N. Watkins Street                               212 W Polk Ave                                1475 E Shelby Drive

Memphis, TN 38127                                   West Memphis, AR 72301              Memphis, TN 38116

 

Accommodations can be made for those with disabilities by contacting Ms. Margaret Mahler with ADA Compliance at (615) 741-4984, TTY Relay (615) 253-8311 or Margaret.Z.Mahler@tn.gov. For Spanish speaking persons who would like to attend and need an interpreter, please call 901.236.5298. 

 

For more information or assistance, contact Steve Chipman, Project Manager at steve.chipman@tn.gov / 731-935-0157 or Harvey Matheny at harvey.matheny@kimley-horn.com / 901-374-9109.