Interstate 55 Interchange at Crump Boulevard

Traffic Impacts

Lane Closures and Traffic Shifts for I-55 and Crump Boulevard, November 22, 2023
            I-55 and Crump Lane Closures Map

History and Background

The improvements to the I-55 Interchange at Crump Boulevard will be accomplished by constructing new through travel lanes for mainline I-55 traffic, which will eliminate the requirement for interstate traffic to use single-lane, low-speed ramps in order to continue on I-55. A new multi-lane roundabout intersection will be constructed to replace the existing cloverleaf interchange and provide improved access to and from I-55 and existing local roadways.

Public Involvement and Engagement

Four public meetings/hearings have been held to discuss the I-55 at E.H. Crump Boulevard project as indicated below. The purpose of the meetings was to provide updates on the project, discuss potential construction impacts, and gather public input. A brief presentation was provided at each meeting, followed by Q&A with TDOT representatives.

In addition to the public meetings, TDOT has held various meetings with public officials and local stakeholders to discuss the project and potential impacts to specific entities.

Environment

If remains, artifacts, or other archaeological materials are uncovered during construction, all construction in the area of the find will cease, and the Tennessee Division of Archaeology and recognized Native American tribes will be contacted immediately.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will no longer pursue the previously proposed long-term (up to 9 months) full-closure of the Interstate 55 (I-55) bridge over the Mississippi River during the reconstruction of the I-55 interchange at E.H. Crump Boulevard. The proposed improvements to this interchange were studied pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), through the development of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and the option for an up to 9-month full closure of the I-55 bridge during construction was being studied under a supplemental review to that EIS.

In January 2012, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved a Record of Decision (ROD), concluding the formal EIS development and identifying the Selected Alternative for the reconstruction of the I-55 interchange at E.H. Crump Boulevard. The Selected Alternative involves the replacement of the existing cloverleaf interchange with a new interchange configuration that will provide through lanes for mainline I-55 traffic, eliminating the need for interstate traffic to utilize single-lane, low-speed ramps in order to continue on mainline I-55. A new multi-lane roundabout interchange will be constructed to replace the existing cloverleaf interchange and provide improved access to and from I-55 and existing local roadways.

Following the issuance of the ROD, TDOT determined that a total closure of the I-55 bridge over the Mississippi River (Memphis-Arkansas Bridge) for up to nine months during construction may be necessary. On August 31, 2015, FHWA, in coordination with TDOT, published in the Federal Register a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare a Limited Scope Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (LSSEIS) for the I-55 interchange at E.H. Crump Boulevard Project. The decision to pursue the LSSEIS was based on the potential for significant impacts associated with the potential for a long-term full closure (up to 9 months) of the I-55 Bridge over the Mississippi River during construction. A full closure of the I-55 Bridge for up to 9 months was not previously assessed and disclosed in the approved 2012 ROD or in the subsequent 2015 NEPA Reevaluation.

However, with the removal of this option from consideration, TDOT has determined that there are no changes to the project or any new information or circumstances that should warrant the preparation of an LSSEIS. Therefore, TDOT will cease development of the LSSEIS and instead pursue the development of a NEPA Reevaluation.

The most recent construction plans indicate that the basic setting of the affected environment has not been altered, and the project area is essentially of the same character as previously studied with no substantial modifications in land use or new development. There have been no changes to the project that would alter the findings documented in the approved 2012 ROD.

Record of Decision (ROD) (PDF 395 KB)
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) (PDF 14.5 MB) 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) (PDF 8.14 MB)

Key Project Milestones

Project Materials

TDOT to Study Construction Impacts of I-55 at Crump Boulevard Project - July 24, 2015
TDOT Announces Reconstruction Plans for I-55 at Crump Blvd Interchange - May 27, 2015
TDOT Awards Contract to Improve I-55 and Crump Interchange - April 1, 2022
I-55 Mississippi River Bridge Closure - May 30, 2023

I-55 at Crump Interchange Newsletter - August 2022