Feds okay money for new I-55 bridge from Memphis to Arkansas

The funding is being finalized for a new interstate bridge to be built across the Mississippi River, connecting Memphis and Arkansas.

The United States Department of Transportation announced they will provide $394 million to help fund the project. The states of Arkansas and Tennessee will chip in around $250 million each.

The new I-55 bridge will be known as America’s River Crossing. The previous bridge will be torn down and the new one will replace it.

Officials have long been concerned that the existing I-55 bridge is vulnerable to serious damage in an earthquake and that it is far out of date.

City and state leaders hope a new bridge will add more lanes, ease traffic congestion and bring new jobs and business to both Memphis and West Memphis.