I-40 to Close Nightly for Bridge Construction in Shelby County

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will close a short section of Interstate 40 at Canada Road (Exit 20) in Shelby County for bridge construction. During the overnight closures, interstate traffic will use the on- and off-ramps at Canada Road. The work is scheduled as follows.

• Wednesday, December 21 and Thursday, December 22, each night from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. – I-40 eastbound only will be closed.

This operation will likely create delays for I-40 traffic. Motorists will be detoured off the interstate at Exit 20 and immediately back onto the interstate using the exit and entrance ramps. Traffic on Canada Road will be allowed to cross I-40 at intervals during the scheduled time of the closures.  Although the ramps will be accessible, motorists are advised to plan ahead and utilize alternate routes if possible.

Message boards are in place to alert motorists to the closure.

The lane closures are necessary to remove the old Canada Road Bridge. The work is part of a $28.2 million project to construct a new interchange at I-40 and Canada Road in Shelby County.  The estimated completion date for this project is May 31, 2017.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or www.twitter.com/NicLawrenceTDOT for West Tennessee travel.                                                                                                

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

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