On Saturday, May 22, 2021, TDOT crews traveled from west Tennessee to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to pick up the steel bridge parts needed to repair the I-40 Hernando De Soto Bridge over the Mississippi River in Memphis.

The parts were fabricated by Stupp Bridge Company in a matter of days after receiving the specifications earlier in the week.

In total, 32 pieces, weighing 33,710 pounds, were transported 281 miles to the bridge site.

The bridge was closed to traffic on May 11, 2021, after a mechanical fracture, or crack, was found in a steel support beam. An emergency repair contract was awarded May 17 to Kiewit Infrastructure Group. Phase 1 includes installation of the steel plates. Phase 2 includes replacement of the damaged steel. The bridge will remain closed during both phases.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-4/i-40-hernando-desoto-bridge