I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge to Close for Five Hours
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is preparing for major traffic shifts on the I-40 Bridge over the Mississippi River throughout the summer. The work will require a short term total closure of the bridge later this month.
Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the westbound lanes of I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge will be closed. This closure is required for crews to safely remove the dynamic message sign and move it to a new location. This work is being done in order to install a seismic expansion joint at the bridge abutment. A detour will be posted. All westbound traffic will utilize Danny Thomas Boulevard to Crump Boulevard in order to cross the Mississippi River on I-55. Message boards will be posted to assist motorists.
Monday, June 30, 2014 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. the inside east and westbound lanes across the bridge will be closed in order to remove the barrier rail that now separates the east and westbound lanes.
In the following weeks, traffic will first be shifted onto the eastbound lanes, then to the center east and westbound lanes and finally the westbound lanes. Motorists will have two 11’ lanes in each direction. Each traffic shift will last for approximately two months. These movements are necessary for crews to safely install modular seismic expansion joints on the bridge. Wide loads will be prohibited during this time.
For travel and TDOT construction information, visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/ or download the new TDOT SmartWay mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information. Drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.