A new chapter in regional history and transportation began officially on August 20, 2025, when the new Interstate 55 bridge across the Mississippi River was officially named Kings’ Crossing. The launch, which was a collaborative effort between the Tennessee and Arkansas state departments of transportation, is a major breakthrough for the roughly $800 million project and pays tribute to three giant personalities with deep roots in the region: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., B.B. King, and Elvis Presley.
The naming ceremony was both a heritage celebration and a nod to the cross-state partnership that made this mega infrastructure project possible. As TDOT Commissioner Will Reid put it, “Kings’ Crossing is more than a piece of infrastructure; it is a symbol of our collective history, heritage, and the enduring spirit of unity that defines this region.”
A Critical Link for a Nation
The new bridge will replace the current I-55 span, a 75-year-old bridge that has served as a vital national trade and freight commerce corridor for decades.
Located just south of Downtown Memphis, the current bridge is no longer able to handle contemporary traffic demands, with ongoing congestion and a design that does not meet today’s seismic standards. Its situation on the New Madrid fault line makes its replacement a pressing issue of safety and strategic necessity. The new bridge is being designed to be a modern wonder of engineering.
The new bridge will span twice the width of the old bridge, featuring additional lanes and improved shoulders that enhance safety and traffic flow. The project will use the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) delivery method, a complex process that accommodates projects of this size. Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. will serve as the construction manager, while Parsons Transportation Group will handle the engineering and design. Crews will build the new bridge parallel to the current bridge, then tear down the existing span once the new bridge opens to traffic. Historic Investment in a Shared Future
Kings’ Crossing Bridge: The Largest single transportation investment in Tennessee
The project is the largest single transportation investment in Tennessee history, made possible by an innovative financial partnership. The U.S. Department of Transportation provided a record federal grant of nearly $400 million ($393.75 million) through the Bridge Investment Program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. TDOT and ARDOT each committed up to $200 million to finance the remainder of the project costs, demonstrating strong bipartisan commitment to the economic future of the region.
More so than its physical presence, Kings’ Crossing will be economically transformational. By revving traffic bottlenecks and offering a more predictable supply chain, the new bridge will save costs for business, boost regional economies, and attract new investment. The new bridge will be able to accommodate 64,000 vehicles a day by 2050, a stark difference from the 48,000 vehicles it presently handles.
With the environmental process finishing and design underway, construction is expected to begin in FY 2026. The project is still on track to deliver a safer, more efficient, and more resilient river crossing that will serve the Mid-South and the nation for generations to come.
Kings’ Crossing Bridge: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Official Name: Kings’ Crossing
Announcement Date: August 20, 2025
Location: Interstate 55 spanning Mississippi River, south of Downtown Memphis
Total Investment: $800 million
Project Namesake
Named in honor of three iconic figures with regional roots:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
B.B. King
Elvis Presley
Key Project Details
Infrastructure Specifications
Replaces: 75-year-old existing I-55 bridge
Width: Twice as wide as current structure
Features: Additional lanes and improved shoulders
Seismic Design: Meets current safety standards for New Madrid fault line location
Traffic Capacity: 64,000 vehicles daily by 2050 (up from current 48,000)
Construction Approach
Delivery Method: Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC)
Construction Manager: Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
Engineering & Design: Parsons Transportation Group
Construction Plan: New bridge built adjacent to existing span, which will be demolished upon completion
Funding Structure
Federal Grant (Bridge Investment Program) $393.75 million
Tennessee DOT Up to $200 million
Arkansas DOT Up to $200 million
Project Timeline
Environmental Process: Nearing completion
Design Phase: Well underway
Construction Start: Estimated fiscal year 2026
Completion: Target for operational deployment TBD
Economic Impact
Alleviates chronic traffic congestion
Enhances supply chain resilience
Reduces business transportation costs
Expected to boost regional economic development
Attracts new investment to Mid-South region
