The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced plans to replace the 75-year-old I-55 bridge connecting Tennessee and Arkansas over the Mississippi River. The Tennessee Department of Transportation selected Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. to manage the construction, with nearly $400 million in federal funding from the RAISE program covering half of the project’s cost.

Both Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) have also contributed funding, with each state pledging up to $200 million for the project. TDOT Deputy Governor and Commissioner Butch Eley said, "This project is building a stronger future for Tennessee."

The I-55 bridge is vital for national commerce, and the new bridge will feature increased capacity, improved safety, and a design that can withstand the New Madrid fault line. ARDOT Director Jared Wiley expressed support for the project and praised Kiewit’s ability to complete it on time and within budget.

Kiewit Executive Vice President Dave Miles spoke about the company’s experience with complex bridge projects and their readiness to connect Tennessee and Arkansas. The project is in its final environmental review stage, with construction expected to begin in fiscal year 2026 after design and right-of-way coordination.

The project will use the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) model, which aligns technical direction, organization, and budgets with TDOT’s vision. The use of this method highlights the complexity of the project and its importance for regional and interstate commerce.